Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

As the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Phulay Bay embodies the attributes, philosophy and unique style and design of the Reserve brand extension. It has been designed for those who seek to escape the stresses of everyday life and immerse themselves into a completely bespoke and personally-tailored-to-suit vacation experience.

Set on the shores of the Andaman Sea, Phulay Bay is a striking 54-villa and pavilion boutique hotel offering unspoilt views of the naturally rugged shoreline and dramatic limestone karsts which make up this beautiful part of southern Thailand.

The resort is the vision and work of in-demand Thai architect Lek Bunnag, and is an awe-inspiring combination of modern styling and architecture; grand and oversized in scale with distinctive accents from not only Thai, but Middle Eastern and Moroccan cultures. Bunnag takes inspiration from beautiful things from around the world to create an environment where the senses are continuously triggered and enlivened from the moment guests enter the resort driveway to the moment they leave.

An exhilarating sense of arrival will immediately let guests know they are somewhere special: 20ft high aubergine walls and ‘hedges’ made from indigenous trees create a sense of wonder from the outside and a great sense of peace and stillness once on the inside. Guests enter the resort through the high walls and walk over a stepping-stone pathway that leads them to a magnificent pitched-roof Thai pavilion situated on an island surrounded by thousands of gently flickering candles.

From here on in, guests subtly and gently have their senses enriched and stimulated with the resort’s own scent, signature drink, the stunning scenery from both inside the accommodation and throughout the resort, to tactile 100% Thai silk soft furnishings used in the villas and restaurants.

“When styling and designing Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, we were very conscious of the abundant natural beauty surrounding us which is what makes people fall in love with Thailand,” explained Estelita Sebeto, the resort’s General Manager. “We want guests to enjoy and discover the extraordinary diversity so have worked with nature to maintain a setting that evokes the very best of the natural environment and sourced local and sustainable materials in its construction and styling.”

Working closely with Thai interior designer IA49, Bunang has carefully designed buildings and public spaces to combine contemporary with culture, perfectly complementing the natural flora of existing trees and plants which cleverly act as privacy screens throughout the grounds offering greater intimacy in the resort. The use of traditional story-telling Lanna art forms both in architectural structure and as paintings and artworks on the walls and doors of villas further stimulates the senses and creates an element of interest for guests.

No two of the resort’s 16 signature Reserve Villas are the same; all slightly different in physical design and styling, guests can opt for a villa with lap pool and lawn area for sun worshiping, a private rooftop for alfresco dining and sunset viewing, or a completely secluded pool bathing area for total privacy. Across all nonetheless, luxury prevails with oversized 3metre by 2metre beds, deep sunken baths, walk in closets, expansive decked gardens and vast ‘keyhole’ doorways that create a sense of magic setting the guest at ease and welcoming them to luxury.

With an emphasis on personalised, bespoke experiences, guests can ‘design’ or tailor make their visit to perfectly suit their needs and desires. Their very own villa butler, can organise a light BBQ lunch at a favourite beach spot; a meditation class with local monks; elephant trekking to a remote picnic spot; a sea plane tour of region’s dramatic scenery; an in-villa personal yoga session; a boat journey to surrounding islands – the possibilities are endless.

World-class culinary experiences will be available throughout the resort’s six intimate and carefully thought-out restaurants. Each designed to accommodate a small number of guests for highly personalised and non intrusive service. Chef will personally meet diners to better understand their tastes and preferences and all ingredients will be sourced from local markets and cooked fresh.

Included is the resort’s signature Thai restaurant, Sri Trang, a modern, and stylish restaurant with private dining room for 10 set on its own jetty overlooking the shoreline called ‘Sri Trang by the Sea’. Lae Lay, the resort’s sea front pavilion sits parallel to a 23metre infinity pool stretching out to the sea beyond. Beautifully appointed with oversized chairs and hanging lanterns among rustling trees, guests can also choose to dine under the stars on their own in a private sala seating up to 8 guests, aptly named ‘Lae Lay Under the Stars’.

An infinity pool bar will offer soft loungers and silk pillows by day with lighter more relaxed culinary offerings, while the resort’s sunset lounge, will offer day beds, oversized pillows, chill-out lounge bar music and candle lanterns for a truly intimate and relaxing feel. The perfect place for a glass of champagne or a stylish martini as the sun sets over the seemingly endless horizon. RAW spa café prepares fresh, uncooked and unaltered vegan products and has a green hydroponic bar growing the resort’s own wheatgrass and lettuce.

The ESPA villa at Phulay Bay is a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation with stepping stones meandering through the spa leading to decked walkways and relaxation terraces surrounded by vegetation and reflection ponds that perfectly capture the unique character of Phulay Bay. The Spa itself comprises three traditional Thai pavilions set over two levels offering 11 treatment rooms including single and couples massage rooms and two VIP treatment suites with their own expansive decks for massage and showering.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 73 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe with future openings including Dubai International Financial Centre, United Arab Emirates; Shanghai, Pudong, China; and Kowloon, Hong Kong. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com.

Rio Carnival, World’s Best Carnival

Rio Carnival is one of the most entertaining leisure events on earth that are hold during the whole year. Every year, the carnival is held between 13th and 16th of February. Carnival is very important to the Brazilians, it sums up their culture. It is a euphoric event where people dance, sing, party and have tons of fun.

People’s acquaintance with Rio Carnival dates back to 1723. Even though it has such a long history, Rio Carnival is actually famous for its Samba Parade that consists of a plenty of people and dancers from various samba schools. Because Samba Parade of the Rio Carnival is quite different from other parades, millions of tourists visit Brazil during that period.

Rio Carnival is the result of months of preparation. People eagerly anticipate the start of each year’s Rio Carnival. It begins with the crowning of the Fat King (King Momo), who is presented with a giant silver and gold key by the city’s mayor. Then it is Carnival all over the place, in the streets and squares, bars, clubs and all other venues, taking over the whole city of Rio and culminating in the Rio Carnival Parade also known as the Samba Parade.

Therefore, it is acknowledged that Samba Parade is supposed to be seen at least once in a lifetime. This parade can be perceived just as a street festival but indeed it is more than that because it mostly demonstrates the competition among the samba schools. It might seem that dancers in the Samba Parade is just hanging out but actually it is an orchestrated parade in which every dancer has a certain role and place depending on the samba school he/she has enrolled.

Another feature that makes Rio Carnival unique is that Samba Parade has different themes every year. Also, each samba school is represented with different colored costumes. Thus, these characteristics make the Samba Parade entertaining and exciting to watch. Since people all around the world are aware of this fact, Rio de Janerio attracts a plenty of visitors from Australia to Russia.

There are also other activities as the parade goes on such as balls in Copacabana Palace and beach and street festivals that are highly accompanied with traditional music and dancing, namely samba. Since everyone is allowed to participate in the street festivals, you can have the joy of music, dancing and singing at the same time by means of visiting Rio de Janerio during the carnival time.

The Sambodromo is the stadium of samba. It consists of the Parading Avenue (the samba run-way) and several independent concrete structures for the spectators (the so called sectors) along both sides of the Parading Avenue. it comes to life during Carnival It is truly magnificent and overpowering, lit up with special effects on Samba Parade nights, filled with thousands of cheering spectators and surrounded by many other thousands of people who could not get inside. It can seat around 70,000 people, which is already far too few for the ever growing Rio Carnival Parade. Entry to the Sambodromo is only possible with tickets for events. However it opens its doors and offers free entry to the grand stand seats in almost all sectors on rehearsal days which take place in the Sambodromo on the weekends before Rio Carnival.

All in all, Rio Carnival is a great opportunity to discover Brazilian culture that is exposed by local dancers and singers. Furthermore, it provides you an occasion to entertain yourselves with Rio Carnival’s outstanding atmosphere and ambiance as well as never-ending dancing and music. You shouldn’t wait for the best time to visit Rio de Janerio because no doubt carnival time is the right time.

You can get detailed information about Rio Carnival at http://rio-carnival.net/

The Best Road Trip for your Holiday, Car Hire USA

Nothing can compare to a road trip for its sense of freedom, adventure and flexibility – it is perhaps the best way to explore any country. But in a world filled with roads and those roads increasingly packed with cars, which is the best road trip to choose for your holiday?

Car hire is the most practical way to explore any country and once you have decided on your destination, making sure you have a good vehicle at a reasonable price should be your top priority.

South Africa has become one of the world’s top targets for any intrepid tourist. It is home to the famous Garden Route – a beautiful stretch of road, which winds itself gracefully along the south east of the country, giving spectacular views of mountains and the Indian Ocean.

Australia, with its miles and miles of seemingly endless highways, is also an excellent choice for a road trip. The east coast of the country offers the most with the cosmopolitan cities of Sydney and Melbourne and the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef to explore.

However, it is the US that is the true spiritual home of the road trip and in a country so large and diverse, any tourist is spoilt for choice. And therein lies the problem: which is the best trip to choose? The Pacific Highway is near the top of the list – as is the Oregon Trail – but the route to beat all others has to be Route 66.

Built in 1926 and running from Chicago to Los Angeles at a length of just under 2,500 miles, it is also known as the Mother Road. There have been improvements and alterations to the original route but after being decertified as a US highway in 1985, it has now gone through a revival and is firmly lodged in American’s hearts as part of their cultural heritage.

Travelling east to west is the most natural direction to take on this enchanting two-lane road. After leaving Chicago you pass through Springfield and then hit St. Louis. The city is famous for its Gateway Arch and is worth spending more than a day exploring. Other cities and towns on the route include Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Amarillo, with fantastic scenery instantly recognisable to any fans of American cinema. Life seems to move at a slower pace along this road, but this is what makes Route 66 so special. It is a link back to US history – a different place at a different time. Albuquerque and Flagstaff soon follow on the road, before Los Angeles looms over the horizon.

The beauty of a road trip is the personal experience – it’s no one else’s holiday, just yours. The flexibility means that if you are unhappy with where you are just get in your car and drive. Although an itinerary is helpful, it should only be a guide and never a rulebook. If you bear that in mind then your road trip will be one of your best holidays.

Best White Sandy Beaches in the Philippine

The Philippines having belongs to the tropical islands of the Southeast Asia have a lot of beautiful beaches where every guest can acquire gilded tanned from the sun, but among the beaches around the Islands of the Philippines few white sand beaches can guarantee perfect look of a natural tan. We, the dreamboracaytravel.com will lead you through the best among the best white sand beaches in the Philippine with the top 3 beaches list in the Philippines Archipelago.

BORACAY | Dream Paradise, Party, Cheer and Adventure
Boracay is the most beautiful and most admired destination of both local tourist and abroad whether by youngster or those who wish to feel young at heart and taste a dream come true vacations in Paradise. The distinct white powdery sand of the beach that creates an edge among white beaches in the country that makes every tourist amazed of the quality sand that it has that other beach do not have making it on the TOP LIST among the best white beach in the island. Some folks say that no matter how hot the weather is, the sand remained not that hot which makes guest stay to enjoy the beach even in the hottest summer days.

Young adults and students are the main visitors of the islands who enjoy party, night life, swimming and other water sports or games where they can do anything in the beach like even sleep in the beaches after enjoying the nightlife party. But many families may enjoy the peace of the panorama scenery of the island for those who were staying in the hilly part of the island or in the rear part of the beach but the best thing is that the accessibility in any part of the beach is not an issue.

PALAWAN| Unspoiled, Pristine and Paradise
While it is true that Boracay Island is the most popular white beach in the country having chosen by most youngster and young adults by the lifestyle, parties and raves it offers, Palawan is something for the families and people who love tranquility, serenity and peace. The appearance of Palawan white beach is analogous with the sand of Boracay which makes it on the 2nd Top List White Beach in the Philippines. Palawan is an ultimate paradise picture where every tourist can relax in a hammock while enjoying the beautiful beach with a fruit juice beside that. There were a lot of banquet break near the beaches so that you will not go hungry while walking or lying in the hammock while trying to have that suntanned you love.

BOHOL| Treasures of Bohol
Chocolate Hills is one of a kind tourist destination in Bohol and its beauty cannot be denied, however, it is not the only place that they have which shows elegance and exquisiteness, having part of the Visayan Region, in this particular Island of Bohol, the white beach goers may give credit and try this wonderful beach, Bohol treasures. Although this island beaches are understated on its gorgeousness because it is not so crowded like Boracay and Palawan white beach it also deserves recognition.

Tourist and guest may try some dive sites at Alona Beach or at Balicasag to experience what it offers in secret on why they called it as Treasures of Bohol. Bohol white beaches can be comparable to Boracay Island and Pristine Palawan makes it on the 3rd Top List White Beach in the Philippines.

Please feel free to visit us at www.dreamboracaytravel.com. DreamBoracayTravel.Com is a group of Aklanons who had great concerns about Boracay, who come together to share their respective expertise, talents, skills and knowledge regarding nature, its preservation, and promoting Boracay to all the tourists and explorers encompassing the world. We are excited to serve you best at your convenience and satisfaction. SEE YOU IN BORACAY!!!

Top 3 Celebrity Hideaways, Celebrities on Vacation

So many times it happens that when we think of where to take a vacation we think of the places where our favourite celebrities would be taking one. Though most of us cannot afford to spend a similar amount on a vacation as they do but we would love to go to a place where we can catch their glimpse. Following are the top 3 places where you can find your favourite stars holidaying.

A favourite holiday destination of the stars like Janet Jackson, David Beckham, Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey, Michael Douglas, Steven Spielberg and many others is Necker Islands. These islands are small islands which are owned by Sir Richard Branson who is the chief of Virgin. The luxury was added to the island by its owner and before this these were sand beaches and tropical forests. Extremely expensive, these holidays are the ultimate in luxury. There are bedroom villas, personal chef, private beaches, tennis courts and a lot more. The island was bought by the Virgin chief for his family. He developed it over a period of time and now it is open for public. At one time it can accommodate 28 people and is given to one group only. It is a completely luxurious holiday which you are bound to enjoy with your friends and live life the way your stars live.

Another favourite holiday spot of stars like Kylie Minogue, Beyonce, Hugh Grant, and Paris Hilton is St. Tropez in France. This is a famous summer holiday destination of the rich and the famous. Though the place is crowded in summers but it surely is the best time to enjoy the sandy beaches here. One can stay at the Chateau de la Messadiere and party at Plage de la Voile Rouge. To watch the glamorous people you can go to the Harbour of Riviera. The nightlife of this place is great and there is plenty to do here like windsurfing, canoeing, sailing, water skiing and much more. It is a very fashionable and charming and is a must visit in France.

To hide from the public gaze stars like Drew Barrymore and Kate Winslet and others go to their favourite destination which is Anguilla in the Caribbean. It is the best option if you wish to relax when on a vacation. It has many luxurious hotels, spas and restaurants. There are many water activities which the tourists can do and enjoy their vacation more. It is a famous diving destination in the world. It is a great option for those who want to relax on a luxurious vacation. It is high in cost and high in class and thus no wonder one can easily find many celebrities chilling out on the beaches here. The island has a laid back character and thus is especially preferred by the rich and the famous who want to get away from the hectic life.

When you want to take a vacation is style and not only meet your favourite stars but also feel like them, take a vacation on any of the above destinations are you are sure to have a memorable time.

Tags: Top 3 Celebrity Hideaways, celebrity vacation spots, Top Celebrity Hideaways, celebrity vacation destinations, Vacation to Necker Islands, Vacation to St. Tropez, Vacation to Anguilla

Best Beach Vacations for Kids, The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel

Escape to one of the world’s finest luxury resorts – The Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Consistently ranked among the world’s premier travel destinations, this alluring Southern California vacation spot provides the perfect getaway for the discriminating guest. Restore your spirit in the cleansing waters of our brand-new spa. Enjoy innovative seafood cuisine in our ocean-view restaurant. Treat yourself to a romantic California coast vacation in our richly appointed accommodations in a striking oceanfront setting. 

LAGUNA NIGUEL, Ca. – At The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, the Ritz Kids program combines learning and exploring the resort surroundings with interactive games and sports coordinated by their experienced counselors.

The program is for children between the ages of five and 12 and both full-day or half-day sessions are available. The full day program starts at 9 a.m., includes lunch and ends at 4:30 p.m. Half-day sessions are available from 9 a.m. to 12 noon or 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Daily Activities may include:
 
• Nature walks
• Beach combing
• Shell collecting
• Soccer
• Volleyball
• Basketball
• Swimming and tennis
• Board and card games
• Arts and crafts
• Movies and Nintendo

Additionally, a Kids Night Out is offered on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. which includes dinner and a movie.

Safety-conscious families checking into The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel will want to check out the toddler-proof precautions introduced through the Protect Our Little Ones (P.O.L.O.) program.  Upon arrival, guests traveling with children under five are escorted to their room by a specially-trained bellman who will install the safety features and explain other precautionary measures intended to protect youngsters from injuries.  Contents of the P.O.L.O. kit include:

• A night light
• Tub spout cover
• Electric outlet plugs
• First aid kit (Children’s Tylenol, Band-Aids, thermometer, diaper rash ointment)
• Emergency safety card with a list of local emergency telephone numbers

“Anyone who has ever traveled away from home with a two-year-old knows that before they can relax their first concern is safeguarding their toddler from hotel room accidental injury.  The P.O.L.O. program is an effective step toward easing parents’ minds and, most importantly, protecting our youngest guests,” said Bruce Brainerd, general manager.

A variety of fun seasonal activities are also offered for our younger guests.
• Summer Poolside Movies (June-August)
• Teddy Bear Tea (December)
• Holiday Story Telling (December)
• Top Hat and Tiara Ball (New Year’s Eve)

Consistently ranked among the best resorts in the world, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego and sits on a 150-foot bluff with panoramic white-water views of the Pacific Ocean and two-miles of sandy beach.  For more information or reservations call 800-241-3333, the hotel directly at 949-240-2000, a travel professional or visit The Ritz-Carlton Web site at www.ritzcarlton.com.

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