Showing all posts tagged "Luxury Resort"
How to Make the Most of Your Vacation to Tangalle, Sri Lanka – An Entrancing Coastal Town
The charming coastal town of Tangalle located in the south of Sri Lanka may be regarded as a fine holiday destination, offering many interesting things to do for the visitor. However, you will find that this destination has evaded the hand of over-development, remaining an attraction even for those who seek to avoid the tourist crowds. Described below are some of the enjoyable experiences that you would have the opportunity to enjoy in the environs of the town of Tangalle.
Observe sea turtles
Anyone with even a passing interest in the intriguing sea turtles which visit Sri Lanka will be captivated by the chance to observe these beautiful creatures in their native environment. Visitors to Tangalle would be able to make their way to the nearby Rekawa Beach, where several varieties of sea turtles – including the endangered leatherback and hawksbill species – arrive to deposit their eggs during the egg-laying season. You may also have the chance to observe the baby turtles crawling towards the expanses of the ocean which will be a truly memorable sight.
Take a city tour
Naturally, your visit to Tangalle wouldn’t be complete without exploring the town and discovering its attractions and features of interest. In this regard, you would have the opportunity to experience this charming city in the company of a knowledgeable local guide who will take you to the captivating sights and explain their significance. You would be able to take a tuk-tuk ride to the local spice markets and temples and gain a glimpse into the Sri Lankan way of life as well. One of the Tangalle hotels beside the beach to consider from which you could also easily visit this town and its attractions would be Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort.
Visit the Agricultural Technology Park
When it comes to eco-tourism, visitors to Tangalle would be able to head to the engrossing Agricultural Technology Park; here, you will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of different methods of agriculture. Travellers will also be able to visit the various interesting sections of the park, such as the herb garden, floriculture garden and fruit orchard. It would be possible to taste some of the delicious produce cultivated at this park as well, while you could visit its interesting crop museum too.
Explore the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
Birdwatching enthusiasts and nature lovers will be enthralled at the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary which you could experience during your sojourn in Tangalle. You will find that this reserve features many interesting kinds of birds that will capture the imagination of the bird lover and general visitors alike. This nature reserve also boasts a selection of endangered and rare species too. At this sanctuary, you will additionally encounter tranquil lagoons as well as areas of mangroves that will create a picturesque sight to take in and photograph.
View the Hummanaya Blowhole
You are sure to appreciate a visit to the striking Hummanaya Blowhole which happens to be located in proximity to Tangalle. This blowhole which has the distinction of being the second biggest on the globe will present an arresting sight for the visitor. In fact, you will notice the remarkable sound made by this wonder of nature even before you can see it. When you do reach the blowhole, you will be enthralled by the sight of the spray gushing as much as 30 m upwards creating a marvellous spectacle.
Tour Yala National Park
Wildlife enthusiasts can look forward to an excursion to the popular Yala National Park which happens to be one of Sri Lanka’s best-known nature reserves. As you might expect, you will find a splendid selection of creatures of the wild at Yala that will delight and captivate visitors. Although it is perhaps best known for its leopards, you will also have the chance to view other interesting kinds of wildlife such as elephants, monkeys, deer, crocodiles, buffaloes, sloth bears and diverse bird species too.
Posted on November 15th, 2022
How to Explore Siem Reap, Angkor Wat and More – Stunning Attractions for the Culture Lover
The charming Cambodian city of Siem Reap would probably be best known as the entranceway to the famed Angkor ruins where you will find an array of ancient temples and other features of interest. However, you will also have the chance to visit the local night markets, savour the street foods and experience the other attractions in Siem Reap, as described below.
Visit the Old Market
On your tour of Siem Reap, look to add the interesting Old Market to your itinerary. By visiting this charming marketplace, you would have the opportunity to gain an authentic insight into the typical way of life of the locals. If you choose to visit this market during the morning, you would be able to observe the locals as they shop for their requirements for fresh produce. After strolling around this area, you may also enjoy a tasty meal at one of the restaurants located here.
Experience the Angkor National Museum
Before experiencing the Angkor Wat complex and the nearby attractions, it would be an excellent idea to gain an understanding of the culture and history of the Khmer kingdom. A great establishment at which to gain this knowledge would be Angkor National Museum where you could learn a great deal about these subjects. In fact, visiting this captivating museum would be a great way to spend an afternoon in Siem Reap.
Explore Angkor Archaeological Park
There would be no doubt that the vast Angkor Archaeological Park would be Siem Reap’s foremost attraction, including such cultural marvels as Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm. Taking pride of place at this UNESCO World Heritage Site would be Angkor Wat, considered to be the world’s biggest religious monument. One of Asia’s most significant historical sites, this complex demonstrates the engineering and artistic prowess of the Khmer people. A boutique hotel in Siem Reap to consider from which you could easily visit this complex would be Anantara Angkor Resort which offers guided VIP tours too.
You should also take the opportunity to head to Bayon which happens to be renowned for its enigmatic huge stone faces. Another engrossing religious attraction at Angkor would be Ta Prohm, a temple entwined with huge tree roots, which was prominently featured in a Tomb Raider movie as well.
Browse through the night markets
Another not-to-be-missed experience in Siem Reap would be browsing through the fascinating night markets, with several being in proximity to one another. You will find an array of attractive bargains at these night markets, in addition to interesting artworks and appealing souvenirs. If you take the opportunity to visit the Siem Reap Art Centre Night Market, you will find a selection of paintings on media such as parchment and canvas.
Enjoy Pub Street
In the night-time, the locality of choice to be in Siem Reap would undoubtedly be Pub Street, home to an array of interesting bars and restaurants. As you make your way to this street, you will encounter an array of street stalls offering tasty snacks. If you happen to be a traveller on a budget, you could select a dish of fried noodles that would be filling and cheap. Pub Street would also be a great place to enjoy rolled ice cream, with plenty of stalls offering this sweet treat to be found here. You will additionally find an abundance of more exotic food choices, such as fried scorpions, crickets and so on!
View an Apsara Dance performance
Your visit to Siem Reap wouldn’t be complete without experiencing one of the enthralling Apsara dance performances staged here. You will see that Apsara dancing is a variety of traditional Cambodian ballet that would captivate the culture lover. During the performance, you will notice that the Apsara dancer, dressed in white and representing the spirit, leads the performance with subordinates in colourful skirts supporting the lead dancer. Even if you are not a huge fan of dancing, you are likely to be enthralled by this kind of performance.
Posted on November 11th, 2022
How to Plan Your Vacation in Siem Reap – A sunny and rainy vacation
One of the most popular destinations in Cambodia, Siem Reap, is a must-visit for those who want to appreciate unperturbed Southeast Asian culture. You need at least three days to explore the historical jewels of Siem Reap. This is the gateway to exploring Angkor Ruins and a lot of other ancient sites, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Here’s how you can plan your vacation in this amazing city that seems to have been stuck in the lost world.
Image via Anantara Angkor Resort
The best time to visit
The climate doesn’t really change much throughout the year; the temperatures remain on a similar level every month with an average of 28 degrees. The dry season is usually considered the best time to visit; the season spans from December to March. Rain showers remain at a minimum during this time, but the temperatures are bearable. Bear in mind that this is also the high season, which means that everything is double its low-season price, so be prepared to pay a lot for accommodation. The hot season, on the other hand, is from April to May, with an average temperature of 40 degrees. By the end of April, the city is practically empty, so this could be a great time to visit if you don’t mind the high temperatures. Accommodation will be less expensive with the additional benefit of lesser crowds. If you visit in the hot season, make sure you wear light clothing and lather your skin with sunscreen; also, keep in mind that you won’t be able to see any of the floating villages as the water levels are low. The rainy season is from June to November, characterised by southern monsoons. The temperatures are low during this time, but the rain showers are constant, and the chances of sightseeing are low.
Accommodation
You have a wide range of great accommodation options in Siem Reap, including Anantara Angkor Resort. Budget options are a favourite with backpackers; home stays are common, too. Mid-range and luxury options are ideal for those who want a comfortable stay with great guest service.
Getting here
There are three ways you can get here: bus, boat, and air. The international airport of Siem Reap, Siem Reap International Airport, is only 5 kilometres from downtown. From downtown, you can get to the Siem Reap Wharf in Tonle Sap Lake in 15 minutes. If you are interested in boat trips, make sure you visit in the rainy season, extending from June to November – the water is at an optimal level during this time. During the dry season, only small boats operate on the river, and when the water level is low, boats stop operating altogether. If you are a backpacker, look into bus travel; Capitol Tour and Mekong Express are the most popular services. As for train travel, the service is yet to be available in Cambodia. You can take a direct flight to Siem Reap from major Asian tourist destinations like Vietnam and Thailand.
Things to do
A diverse array of attractions awaits you in Siem Reap; things to do are many here. The number of temples found here can be categorised into three: outlying temples, big circuit, and small circuit. Small circuit covers the temples located at Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. Big Circuit contains the temples in the eastern and northern parts of the city. To explore the outlying temples, you need to travel about 20 kilometres from Siem Reap; this group of temples includes sites with original features untainted by time. Adventure seekers are in luck; hiking and trekking are among the popular tourist activities. However, if you want to do something different, you should join a cooking class. Also, don’t forget to give yourself some time to relax and take in the unspoiled natural beauty of Siem Reap.
Posted on August 6th, 2022
How to Plan a Perfect Trip to Oman – Have a wonderful Omani adventure
Oman is an intriguing destination with expansive dunes, historical landmarks, unique food, and wonderful experiences. If you are hoping to plan your trip to Oman, there are a few key points to know and the thing about. Reflecting on these aspects will help you plan and have the perfect trip that is memorable, convenient, and hassle-free. Here is how to plan a wonderful trip to Oman.
Image via Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara
1. When to travel to Oman
As a country situated in the Middle East, Oman has a consistently high temperature throughout the year. However, certain months are cooler than others, especially during the winter season. If you visit during summer, you can expect temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius. Even during October, which is the start of the winter season, the temperatures only go down to between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius. However, the overall weather feels more bearable between October and April when you may even witness some rain. So, this generally tends to be the best time to visit Oman. Regardless of the month you choose, it is also important to stay indoors during the peak heat times in Oman. For instance, the time between 12 noon and 3 pm tends to be the hottest. So, try and stay indoors during this time to avoid heat shocks. It is usually best to use this time to have a meal, travel, or explore indoor attractions. It can also be a great time to visit an Oman spa for relaxation.
2. Visa and travel advisories
Most tourists need a visa to travel to Oman. However, many countries are given the ability to get an arrival visa, which makes the process a lot easier. If you are visiting Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, you can inquire in advance about the best way to process your visa. People from some countries may need to take visas well in advance from their home countries. So, make sure which category you belong to. In terms of travel advisories, Oman has strict COVID-19 guidelines that you must follow. This includes producing a negative PCR test before boarding a flight to Oman and more based on where you come from. These advisories are also constantly changing. So, it is best to check with the resort or your home country about this just before you depart. Apart from these aspects, entering Oman is not at all problematic for tourists.
3. How to manage money in Oman
You will need some basic knowledge of how the currency works in Oman to travel in the country comfortably. The Omani rial is the national currency of Oman and is around $2.60 worth. This makes travelling in Oman more expensive than in most tourist destinations. It is important to have change money if you need to pay for taxis and snacks during the day. So, it is best to get change from the resort or restaurants the first opportunity you get. However, credit cards are widely accepted across Oman. So, you might not even need cash often. Either way, it is good to have some money and a couple of credit cards to be safe.
4. Omani cuisine
This is an aspect of Oman travels that you should not miss. Omani cuisine will be one of the main reasons that you truly enjoy the country. From great Shawarma and meat cooked in flavoursome and aromatic sauces to milky desserts and spice-infused teas, you will never be bored when exploring the food in Oman. Some restaurants are famous around the world for offering the best Omani food. It will be a great idea to search them out during your stay.
Posted on April 10th, 2022