Showing posts with label Hotels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hotels. Show all posts

Thursday, June 26, 2014

TripAdvisor reveals the winners of Travellers’ Choice Awards 2014

By: Shania Brendon


The world’s leading travel site, TripAdvisor announced the winners of its sixth annual Travellers’ Choice awards; honouring close to 500 destinations which secured top spots in the world’s top destination list as well as in individual lists catered specifically for Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Asia, Canada, the U.K, the U.S, and so on.
Travellers’ Choice Awards are ranked based on the millions of reviews and opinions posted by TripAdvisor travellers and taking into consideration the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for attractions, hotels and restaurants in destinations around the globe for a period of 12 months.
Stated below are the Top 10 destinations which made it to the Travellers’ Choice World Destination List, 2014:

1. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul sky-rocketed 11 spots higher from its rank on the previous year’s list to the No.1 spot, this year. A holiday here is all about the gorgeous mosques, the grand bazaars filled with thousands of shops to browse through, the Turkish baths and the absolutely breath-taking architecture.

2. Rome, Italy

Rome jumped two spots from previous year’s list and takes the No.2 this year. Rome should certainly be on each and every traveller’s bucket list – the city is filled with giant halls of outdoor museums, piazzas, bustling open-air markets and impressive historic sites. Most importantly, taste the cappuccino and indulge in a plate of authentic pasta – Delicious as ever!

3. London, England

London maintains its No.3 spot from the previous year. This highly-developed city is where history meets fashion, art, food and of course good British ale. A holiday in London is a mix of everything and caters to all kinds of leisure seekers – music, food, culture, museums and nightlife.

4. Beijing, China

Beijing pushed itself 17 spots higher to the No.4 rank on the global list. Beijing boasts a wealth of history – from ancient monuments to the modern architectural buildings. The city also offers diverse sightseeing activities from gorgeous temples, magnificent palaces and of course the incredible Great Wall of China.

5. Prague, Czech Republic

The beautiful city of Prague of Czech Republic has successfully climbed four steps higher to grab the No.5 spot on the list this year. This fascinating capital is filled with incredible cathedrals, historic towers, glittering canals spiced up with an energetic culture, art and music scene.

6. Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech jumps 13 spots from last year. This city that belongs to Morocco will take you on an exciting journey through the bustling streets filled with donkey carts, street vendors, snake charmers and story-tellers. Marrakech is all about the colours, sounds and unique aroma!

7. Paris, France

Paris took a tumble down by six spots from previous year but still holding a prestigious place in the top 10. This city of romance does not need any explanation. Paris is just simply beautiful and provides a unique feel with a mix of leisure, liveliness and love.

8. Hanoi, Vietnam

A new but worthwhile addition to the Top 25, ranked at 8 this year is this charming Vietnamese capital. Hanoi is home to lovely lakes, parks, boulevards, monuments, colonial architecture, and over 600 uniquely built temples and pagodas.

9. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap jumped 13 spots higher from previous year. This unique city of Cambodia appears to be most popular and major tourist hub in the country. Siem Reap offers diverse range of touristic offerings including the Angkor temples. A safe, friendly and pleasant town to experience a unique holiday!

10. Shhaangi, China

Safely securing Spot No.10 – after a 13 spot-jump from previous year; the largest and the most cosmopolitan city of China has impressed tourists offering a unique sense of experience to holiday in the past, present and future, all at the same time.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Best Beach Hotels of 2014

By Shania Brendon

Condé Nast Traveller, the luxury and lifestyle travel magazine has revealed the 18th annual “hot list” highlighting the best hotels to debut the previous year. This year’s list of 33 finalists was considered to be the most selective ever, beating the entire chosen list comprising of over 500 hotels from 400 cities and 93 countries. The Hotels were split under “beach hotels, family hotels, design hotels and way-out-there remote hotels” categories. However, the newly-opened beach resorts across the world have stolen the buzz amongst the travellers. Below are the top five newly opened beach resorts that made to the prestigious Hot List of 2014:

Andaz Maui at Wailea, Hawaii

Hawaii has undoubtedly been a world-famous island destination with its beautiful beaches and resorts to die for. The opening of this incredible beachfront resort and sanctuary, Andaz Maui at Wailea gives travellers a much interesting reason to visit the island. A 15-acre beach resort with more than half of the 297 rooms overlooking the gorgeous Hawaiian beaches and incorporated with private lanais – invites you to explore and experience the best of Maui, from stunning beaches to magnificent peaks and scenic wonders. Nuzzled along crescent-shaped shores, this resort also offers adventurous activities including kayaking, canoeing and surfing along with its amazingly delicious list of food and beverages. Andaz-Maui at Wailea is where you would lounge overlooking the beaches, sipping on a coconut mocktail, while you gaze out at the beautiful skies!
Hotel features include 24-hour room service, bar, gym, spa, restaurant, swimming pool and Wi-Fi.

Prices for doubles start from $450.

Mukul Resort, Nicaragua

Nicaragua is one of the world’s hot eco-destinations and this Mukul Resort has been built with a holistic vision of being conservative and to provide new jobs for the surrounding communities. Mukul Resort comprises of 12 clay-tile-roofed villas and 23 bohios, which are huts with their own plunge pools – located in the shores of the Nicaragua’s emerald coast. The resort offers enthralling activities including biking through the rainforest, day tripping to historical village of Granda and golfing in the jungle or on the ocean shore – the choice is yours. Mukul Resort is where you can relax and rewind on your private palapa, in an organic, romantic atomosphere – Truly a blissful treat!
Hotel Features include bar, free Wi-Fi, gym, restaurant, swimming pool, gold course and spa.

Prices for doubles start from $525

Nizuc Resort & Spa, Cancun

Located in the Maya region at secluded enclave of Punta Nizuc, Nizuc Resort & Spa is the newest luxury destination in the Mexican Caribbean. Spanning a 29-acre property, the resort is set in a wondrous haven of mangroves and lush foliage, overlooking the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, surrounded by the region’s natural wonders and exciting attractions. The resort comprises of 274 luxurious suites and private villas where guests can enjoy the resort’s pools, world-class restaurants, spa while soaking in the warm waters just few metres ahead!
Hotel features include 24-hour room service, spa, bar, gym, restaurant, swimming pool and fee Wi-Fi.

Prices of doubles start from $420

Point Yamu by Como, Phuket

The newest addition to Phuket’s long list of resorts – Point Yamu by COMO sits on the tip of Cape Yamu facing the ever-gorgeous Andaman Sea and the dramatic limestones of Phang Nga Bay. The specialty of this resort is the décor designed by the popular Paola Navone – 106 modern yet airy rooms decorated in a palette of deep blues and whites, simple and soothing. This resort uniquely offers a laidback atmosphere where you could just dip in the extraordinary infinity pool; pamper yourself in the amazing spa with naps in between. Peaceful as it sounds!
Hotel features include 24-hour room service, bar, gym, spa, restaurant, swimming pool and free Wi-Fi.

Prices for doubles start from $277

Salt House Inn, Provincetown

Located in the historic Cape Cod village of Provincetown, Massachusetts; this newly opened Salt House Inn has created quite a stir in the region and is now poised to become the town’s smartest place to stay. Formerly the funky old Dexter’s Inn, today it is the hotel that is both modern and spotless – the exterior gives the whole classic New England feel whereas the interior gives the minimalist look with largely whitewashed walls, shiplap panelling and hardwood floors. The resort is just few minutes away from the beach and your couple-of-days stay at this amazing Salt House Inn would definitely be extended for extra nights!
Hotel Features include Free Wi-Fi.

Prices for doubles start from $185

This article, Best Beach Hotels of 2014, is syndicated from http://www.travelcenteruk.co.uk/ and is posted here with permission.