Dubai is a vibrant city having rapidly developed to become a leading tourist destination. For travellers including those who are staying at luxury hotels and resorts, preferably of a luxury hotel group such as Raffles, there is plenty to see and do in the region. Festivals held in the city bring about a spirit of harmony and excitement. With a culture rooted in Islamic traditions, Dubai mainly celebrates religious festivals such as Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. However the world famous, Dubai Shopping Festival has achieved continued success over the years attracting visitors from all corners of the world. Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring …

Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, is a thriving metropolis that offers a fascinating visitor experience. Encompassing the coast, the city has a rich history, while also showcasing more modern development in its thriving cityscape. From shopping malls to local markets, casinos to nightclubs and lush pockets of greenery to a wide range of restaurants and cafes, Colombo has it all and is definitely worth exploring. The city also has a bourgeoning art scene and those interested in this form of creative expression should look to visit Kala Pola 2013 when next here. This annual street art fair dates back to 1993, when 35 artists displayed their creations. Inspired by such similar events as Oxford University’s, Turl Street Art Festival, this colourful fair has …

With December comes the most festive time of the year for many all across the globe as preparations are made for Christmas. It is one of the most widely celebrated holidays, and also one of the grandest celebrations. It is a time for giving and joy, but it is not only the magical spirit of Christmas that is beautiful. During the season many of the world’s largest cities are beautifully lit up, with charming decorations adorning every corner. It is a time of year where homes are beautiful too, and the centre of these is the Christmas tree. It has become a symbol of the season, and goes hand in hand with Christmas, and one of the best loved holiday activities is decorating the tree. …

A laidback, sleepy, sheep-farming valley turns into a passionate wine making arena during the annual Gibbston Harvest Festival in Queenstown, New Zealand held in March on the third Saturday of the month. It does not fail to attract everyone from professional connoisseurs to simple wine appreciating enthusiasts to indulge a taste of the exquisite produce made by small boutique wineries, local vineyards and many a fine food establishment that are spread about the area. The festival is celebrated to mark the harvest of wine from Gibbston and to salute and toast the spirit of the community that has turned itself into a high profile winemaking body! This festival not only celebrates the Central Otago wines and the grape harvest produced by vineyards and wineries in …

Sri Lanka travel is made easy by Jetwing Travels which offers a variety of Sri Lanka tours. This tropical island is not only blessed with natural beauty but also boasts a rich culture and history which are reflected in various local festivals. Most of the festivals are either national or religious and are celebrated in grand scale. Each April, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is held which incorporates a range of age old traditions. Perhaps the biggest religious festival in the country, Vesak is celebrated all across the nation with much fervour. Deepavali, Ramazan and Christmas are also among the festivals observed in the country.       Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has …

Announced during the F1 Festival in Abu Dhabi in 2007, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009 on Yas Island was also Formula One’s inaugural day and night race as well, with the circuit well lit with floodlights and the consequent races held in the Emirates have also been day-night races. As motoring enthusiasts gather from all over the world to witness these races it is best to arrange accommodation at an Abu Dhabi resort for the duration of your stay early on. Make a vacation out of your visit to the emirate and book one of the many Abu Dhabi beach hotels to make it an exhilarating yet relaxing holiday. Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara will give you the opportunity to witness the Grand Prix and …