Roughly translated, Malecon means seawall. And in Habana, or Havana, it stretches for a little over 4 miles, providing a fascinating glimpse into the city’s history, culture, architecture and the indomitable spirit of its people. The blue waters of the Caribbean are a wonderful backdrop to the architectural gems that line the route.

Habana is a vibrant place that’s full of contradictions and a walk along the Malecon allows you wonderful insights and should definitely be a part of your holiday travel in Cuba. 50 years of communism have led to a ruined economy but have also led to tremendous innovation from a people grappling with economic hardships. Art, music and dance have flourished and remained distinctive because of Cuba’s relative isolation from the rest of the world.

As you stroll along the Malecon, which is also a kind of social hub for the Habaneros (residents of Habana), you will feel the pulse of the city. There’s always something happening here, by day and by night. You will see children jumping into the sea, people fishing, lovers kissing, musicians playing and tourists taking pictures. People watching can easily keep you engrossed for a long time. In the winter months, very high sea waves crash along the seawall, drenching pedestrians and providing entertainment for children who duck and play with the fury of the waves.

It’s also an incredible sight to see Cadillacs, Russian Ladas and other cars from the 1940s and 50s still gliding, or occasionally sputtering, down the wide avenue. Camel buses and Coco taxis are the other forms of transport. If you are not up to walking the 4-mile stretch, flag down a horse carriage and enjoy a leisurely ride along the Malecon.

There are three main sections that you will pass as you make your way along the Malecon. At the entrance of the bay of Havana in the east, is the Vieja Habana where many colonial buildings have been beautifully restored. Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta and the Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro are the main sights along the Vieja Habana section of the Malecon. As you head west, you will pass Centro Habana where the crumbling facades of pastel-hued neoclassical and neo-Moorish buildings and apartments present an intriguing picture of the city’s, and also Cuba’s, past glory and current economic woes. At sunset, the buildings look particularly beautiful, so if possible arrive here to watch the play of light as the sun goes down. In the northwest and beyond Centro Habana is the relatively modern-looking Vedado with high rises, a lot of them Russian inspired. Vedado is where you will find a lot of nightclubs, restaurants and art galleries and it is considered to be the trendier suburb.

Sitting on the seawall and gazing at the fading grandeur of Havana, it’s hard to imagine that Miami is just 90 miles across the ocean.

Havana Carnival

The colourful Carnival takes place on each weekend of July and August. Parades and floats with costumed dancers and musicians make their way along the Malecon to the accompaniment of salsa music. Cuban rum flows freely and thousands throng the malecon and take part in the singing and dancing. A lot of international tourists time their Cuba holidays to coincide with the Carnival.

One of the best ways to really appreciate the English countryside is to rent an old English country cottage. Most of the time, the views are breathtaking and the cottages recreate an olde world charm that’s hard to beat. Stone walls, slate floors, wonderful fireplaces and the unhurried pace of rural life all add up to create a wonderful holiday.
There are thousands of great English cottages and holiday homes strewn around England, Scotland and Wales and choosing from them can be quite a task. From romantic cottages for couples to sprawling ones for over 18 people, you will find cottages of every size.
Below is our selection of top 5 English country cottages which will make for great holiday travel. The cottages been chosen based on their location and architectural features and are meant for couples or smaller groups.

Mickle Rigg

Location: Sebergham near Caldbeck, Cumbria

A rustic barn has been lovingly converted into a cosy cottage for two. The exposed original oak beams are the main highlight of this English cottage. In the bedroom you will find a comfortable bed squeezed between two such beams. The living and dining area has a vaulted ceiling and you have a great view of Eden valley from here. A log-burning stove lends added atmosphere in the living room. The kitchen and bathroom are modern and the cottage is tastefully decorated. There’s a lovely patio just outside the main door from where you can enjoy gorgeous views over afternoon tea.
High Pike, Bassenthite and Derwentwater are within driving distance. There are also plenty of caves, gorges and gentle fjords to explore in the scenic surrounding area.

Little Hattons

Location: 7 miles between Cirencester and Stroud, The Cotswolds

This detached 18th century cottage is just a stroll away from the Thames and Severn Canal. Pubs line the waterside so, as you can imagine, the location is superb. The cottage is beamed and has a touch of understated luxury. There are two lovely bedrooms on the first floor while a games room equipped with broadband, satellite TV, DVDs etc. is on the second floor. The living room has a large wood-burning stove and the kitchen and dining open on to the garden.
Nearby are the market towns of Bibury, Tetbury and Westonbirt.

The Mill

Location: Rutter Falls, Eden Valley, Cumbria

Imagine being right next to a glorious waterfall! This posh cottage is actually a 19-century water mill. The interior is open plan and the kitchen is quite stylishly painted by artist Christine Leadbetter. The kitchen and dining area opens on to a private garden and riverbank. You can often spot squirrels and dippers scurrying around in the garden. There’s a pull-down double bed and a bathroom on the ground floor as well.
A spiral staircase takes you to the first floor. Heavy white drapes screen off the bedroom area which also has a Victorian bath. The sitting room overlooks the cascading waterfall and has the usual satellite TV, DVD and hi-fi. It also has a lovely balcony where you can sit and admire the great view from up close. Some people may find the sound of the waterfall a bit noisy.
The cottage is close to the market towns of Appleby and Kirkby Stephen. The towns are really picturesque and although close to the Lakes, thankfully get fewer visitors.

Cobblers Cottage

Location: Nayland, Suffolk

It’s an utterly charming 15th century cottage that has been lovingly restored by the owners using traditional materials and techniques. The living room has exposed beams, flagstone floor and the original inglenook fireplace. Antique furniture completes the medieval look. The TV, DVD and stereo are discreetly placed so as not to detract from the period feel. A narrow staircase takes you to the bedroom. Part the heavy drapes at the top of the stairs and you will enter a romantic bedroom with vaulted ceiling, exposed beams and a gorgeous antique bed plus a French armoire. An oak paneled door leads you to a roll top slipper bath.
There’s a nice pub in the vicinity and wonderful walks leading from the cottage to Pilgrim’s Way.

The Music Room

Location: Aveton Gifford, Devon

This detached cottage was originally a music room and hence its name. It has a long open plan living, dining and kitchen and a vaulted stucco ceiling. The living area has an open fire and the flooring is polished wood throughout. An entire wall is flanked by four huge windows with stained glass detail that flood the room with light and give it an airy and spacious feel. At the end of the living room, you climb up 3 steps to the bedroom area which was originally the stage for concerts and recitals. The bed is swathed in muslin drapes for a romantic feel.
There’s a lovely courtyard garden outside and you can drive down to the pretty village of Aveton Gifford which is just a mile away.

For similar holiday travel ideas, check out Log Cabin Holidays.

Salta city has a host of nice hotels to choose from. If you want to explore the city, then book a place near the Plaza 9 de Julio because most of the main sights are within walking distance. If you would like great views and a more tranquil holiday, stay on the city’s outskirts.

Here’s our pick of the three of the best hotels during your holiday travel in Salta, Argentina:

Legado Mitico Salta

This is one of the nicest places to stay in Salta. A private residence has been converted into a sophisticated 11-room boutique hotel. A lot of care has been lavished on its incredibly tasteful interiors. The rooms are large and so are the bathrooms. Each room is uniquely themed around a poet, sculptor or gaucho and you will see the theme reflected in the artifacts and curios in the room. From framed photographs to handwoven rugs and bows and arrows, the feel is authentic Argentinian.
Some of the rooms have small balconies and whilst the hotel doesn’t have a pool or gym, it amply makes up for it with its warm and inviting ambience and lovely décor. None of the rooms have great views but the location is good.
Check out its extensive library for books on Argentina’s history, linger in the courtyard with a book or coffee and sample some fine wine from its cellar at the hotels stylish bar.

Price for a Double Room: US$170-210, inclusive of breakfast

The House Of Jasmines

Located on the outskirts of Salta, this wonderful century-old country lodge is a great place from where to explore places outside Salta city. The property has a fantastic location – 300 acres of pristine countryside with the Argentinian Andes as a backdrop.
The white adobe, red tiled structure is covered with jasmine creepers, hence the name. The interior is done in mostly white and cream with an occasional splash of colour from a rug. The effect is entirely calming and pleasing. You feel as if you are a guest at a colonial country house. The delightful scent of roses pervades everywhere and you will see the flowers in every room. In season, there’s also jasmine.
There are only 7 rooms in the main house and 3 suites in adjacent buildings. There’s also a detached two-bedroom house available for families. All the rooms and suites have four poster beds and beautiful interiors done in whites with a bright blanket or two thrown on the bed and chairs for some colour. There are a few restored antiques in the rooms. Some of the rooms have a balcony or terrace but all the rooms enjoy glorious views of the mountains. You will also enjoy the elaborate dinner rituals and the food is excellent.
There’s also a nice spa and an outdoor pool with great views.

Price for a Double Room: US$215-395, inclusive of breakfast

La Candela Hotel

This hotel regularly receives rave reviews from travelers for its warm service, great location and clean, well-appointed rooms. All in all, it’s good value for money.
The hotel is a remodeled colonial house. While the décor is more modern than colonial, the architecture is well preserved. The highlight of the hotel is its courtyard and pool area. You will enjoy having a meal by the poolside. The rooms are of reasonable size and some of them overlook the garden and pool. There’s also an apartment for a bigger group or family. The bathrooms are clean and the staff is extremely helpful.
The hotel’s trump card is its location. It’s situated within walking distance of the main square and yet you will find that the hotel is located on a quiet street.

Price for a Double Room: US$58-104

Read more about the history and sights of Salta city and browse this site for more holiday travel ideas.

Salta is the capital of Argentina’s northwestern province of Salta. Founded in 1582, it has one of the best-preserved colonial architecture in all of Argentina and a distinctive Hispanic character. Stroll down narrow 18th century cobbled streets and admire the churches, plazas and lovely wooden balconies that jut out into the streets. Most places of interest, such as the Cathedral, the graceful white-washed Cabildo (Town Hall) and the elegant San Francisco Church, are located around the central square Plaza 9 de Julio, making exploring the city quite easy. There are also many nice museums like Museo Historico del Norte (located inside the Cabildo) and the Museo de la Ciudad (City Nuseum) where admission is free and you are requested to leave a donation when you leave.

Take time to visit a peña folclórica (folk tavern) and enjoy an evening of local music and dance. A favourite among the locals is El Boliche Balderrama. Most of the nightlife is in La Balcarce near the train station.

Teleferico a Cerro San Bernardo

A great way to observe Salta is by taking a Cable Car to San Bernardo Hill. The views are glorious and the hills provide a wonderful backdrop to the historic city.

The Train To The Clouds (Tren a las Nubes)

One of the biggest highlights of your holiday travel to Salta will undoubtedly be The Train To The Clouds. Your 15-hour journey begins and ends in Salta and it takes you through the scenic and varied terrain of Argentina’s northwest. From pampas grass to sculptural cacti, and from lush tobacco fields to lunar landscapes, your train adventure will take you from Salta city to La Polvorilla and back. La Polvorilla is situated at 13,845 feet above the mean sea level and the thinness of the air along the route makes it necessary for a medical facility to be aboard your train.
The Train To The Clouds is the third highest train route in the world and you will often see soft white clouds drifting below bridges or clinging to the mountain sides and hence the name of the train. You will traverse through 29 bridges, 21 tunnels, 13 viaducts, 2 spirals and 2 zigzags. The Polvorilla viaduct is spectacular – it is 224 meters long and 63 meters high.

Best time to visit: April to November

The average high temperature is around 22ºC but it get chilly at night and lows range from 3 to 14ºC. The advantage of going in winter is that you will get no rain.

Read about the top three Salta Hotels for a great holiday. Also browse this site for more holiday travel ideas around the world.

Ecuador’s third largest city has a surprisingly small-town feel and a lovely old world charm. You will enjoy strolling through its cobbled streets and gazing at well-preserved colonial architecture. Plazas, churches and whitewashed houses with red tile roofs on the banks of the Tumebamba river create a wonderful setting. Cuenca is easily one of Ecuador’s most beautiful cities and one of the favourite emerging holiday travel destinations.

Cuenca has a rich and varied history. The Canaris lived here from around 500AD and the city was then called Guapondeleg. Not much is known about the Canaris and very little of their architecture survives. Around 1480 AD, the city was captured by the Incas and renamed Tumebamba. The Incas had ambitious plans and wanted to build a city that rivaled Cuzco. But this was not to be as about 50 years later the Spanish Conquistadors defeated the Incas. In 1557 the Spanish rebuilt and renamed the city Santa Ana de los cuatro ríos de Cuenca, or Cuenca for short. The Spanish built some of their cathedrals and palaces on the foundations of the Inca palaces and buildings. At the Todos Los Santos archaeological site you can see the unusual history of Cuenca in the ruins built by the Canari, Inca as well as the Spanish.

There’s much to see and explore in and around Cuenca and its mild climate makes it a great place for holiday travel. Its historic area was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. But apart from museums, churches, archaeological ruins and parks, Cuenca also has some upscale restaurants and galleries.

Your sightseeing should begin in Parque Calderon, Cuenca’s biggest plaza. On one side you will see the Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion or the New Cathedral. Work on the cathedral began in 1885 and went on for the next 80 years! Its giant blue domes are at the rear and are visible from many parts of the city. The Cathedral’s bell towers appear truncated and were supposed to be much taller but an error in design meant that the foundation of the cathedral would not have been able to bear the weight of the taller towers.
On the opposite end of the plaza is the Old Cathedral – El Sagrario. It is the oldest building in Cuenca and work on it began in 1557. It is undergoing restoration and serves as a museum.

The Church of El Carmen de la Asunción isn’t open to the public but you should visit it to admire its beautiful stone façade and stroll through the plaza on which it is located. The Plazoleta del Carmen is just a block away from Parque Calderon and is the site of the daily flower market, Mercado de las Flores. Ecuador is one of the largest producers of flowers in the world and you can admire a variety of exotic flowers at the market.

Some of the museums to visit are the Museo Pumapungo for its dioramas and tsantsas (shrunken heads) from the Shuar culture, Museo de las Conceptas for its collection of religious works and crucifixes and the Museo de las Culturas Aborígenes for its collection of of archaeological pieces of over 20 pre-Columbian cultures of Ecuador.

Outside Cuenca:

Parque Nacional Cajas

Just a 45-minute drive outside Cuenca, the Cajas National Park is studded with over 200 lakes and lagoons and covers an area of over 71,000 acres. It is a great place to go hiking and there are many wonderful trails, the most popular among which is the Inca Trail. The Park is a great place for bird watching and trout fishing. The terrain, as well as the flora and fauna, is varied which makes exploring quite interesting. The Parks’ forests have polylepis trees which grow to a height of over 3,000 meters.

Ingapirca

This is the largest of the Inca ruins in Ecuador but is much smaller than Peru’s Machu Picchu. Ingapirca means ‘Inca Wall’. Like Cuenca, the area was already inhabited by the Canari and when the Incas arrived here, they built their temples and houses over the foundations of Canari buildings. The site is dominated by an elliptical Sun temple. The site has some impressive Inca masonry with stone walls which were built without the use of mortar.

Cuenca Weather

The weather is mild all round the year with an average daily temperature of 14.6ºC. The rainy season is from October to May.

The long Easter weekend is a great time to take off for a short break. The weather too starts getting warmer in America and Europe, opening up loads of holiday destinations to choose from.
Below is our pick of holiday travel ideas for your Easter break. The destinations have been chosen for the quirky customs and unique traditions that are followed in the various cities. New York is also great place to visit for Easter weekend breaks and you can read all about its famous Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival.

Jamaica Easter Carnival

The Jamaica Easter Carnival kicked off in 1990 and has gained in popularity over the years. Over a 100,000 revelers flock to Kingston for the Carnival which begins with Beach Jouvert on Easter Sunday. Jouvert means daybreak and the parade begins in the early hours of the morning when it’s still dark outside. The Carnival ends with the colourful Road March which is a costumed street parade where top local and regional bands play calypso and reggae to the crowd’s delight. Soca parties are also the rage throughout the island. The carnival is quite a spectacle and it’s a fun way to spend your Easter break.

Kingston is the capital of Jamaica and most people tend to avoid it because of the adverse publicity it has received about crime. Just be a little careful and you should be fine. There are plenty of nice nightclubs and restaurants around Kingston which make it a lively town.

But it’s not only Kingston that celebrates Easter in true Caribbean style in Jamaica. There’s some parade or the other happening somewhere on the island during the Easter Carnival week. Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Negril also have some wonderful entertainment and parades.
Another Easter tradition in Jamaica is eating bun and cheese. The buns are spiced with cinnamon and are sprinkled with lots of raisins. They are generally eaten with processed cheese and you will see supermarket shelves packed with buns and cheese around Easter.

Trekking, snorkeling and diving are some of the activities you can do in Jamaica. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the stunning beaches in Port Antonio , Montego Bay and Negril.

Weather in Kingston in March and April: Temperatures range from 24°C to 28°C. There’s an occasional light shower during the day.

Semana Santa, Seville, Spain

The Holy Week, or Semana Santa, preceding Easter Sunday sees processions by the brotherhoods of the church making their way from their churches to the Cathedral. The penitents wear robes and hoods and walk alongside two to three elaborate wooden floats. The first float usually depicts the scene of the Passion with Christ and the second, a grieving Mary. Some of the floats have exquisite sixteenth century statues decorated with gilt and silver and are often accompanied by bands playing flamenco style hymns.

At midnight on Thursday, the biggest processions leave their churches and wind their way through the night to arrive at the Cathedral on the morning of Good Friday. This is definitely the highpoint of the week. Up to 60,000 monks participate in the processions during Holy Week.
Although the parades have a religious and solemn flavour, you will see bars and restaurants packed with local families till late into the night. Grandparents and grandchildren too stay up late.

Apart from the Easter processions, take time to walk through the narrow alleys of Seville’s old town and eat at a local tapas bar. You will see some of the best bullfighting and flamenco performances here. Seville is easily one of Spain’s must-visit places, both historic and stylish at the same time.

Weather in Seville in March and April: Temperatures range from 9°C to 24°C.

Read more about how to spend your Holiday Nights In Madrid.

São Brás de Alportel, Algarve, Portugal

This is a small town in the eastern Algarve and is more commonly known simply as São Brás. It is ringed by hills and looks down at the coast from an escarpment. The old town has a church and the Episcopal Palace. On Easter Sunday, the town comes alive and draws visitors for its unique Easter ceremony.

The streets are paved with fresh wild flowers arranged in interesting patterns and a Torch Procession, or Festa das Tochas, proceeds through the streets. Men carrying torches made of flowers walk or run through the streets. Their leader cries, “Christ is risen” and the others respond with cries of “Hallelujah”. Similar ceremonies used to take place in other Algarve towns in the 18th and 19th century but now the tradition is alive only in São Brás.

After the procession you can walk along the flower strewn streets or make your way to other towns of the Algarve. At the crossroads in the main town square, you can head north to Lisbon, south to Faro, east to Tavira and west to Loule.

The Algarve coast is truly picturesque with sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and towns with whitewashed houses. Most of the resorts are not exactly pretty but the wonderful setting draws huge crowds in summer. During Easter you can enjoy the Algarve without the teeming tourists, although the water can be a bit cold.

Weather in the Algarve in March and April: Temperatures range from 17°C to 20°C.

Also read about the Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival in New York.

The Easter Parade began in New York City around 1870 and has grown to become an extravagant and quirky New York tradition. For centuries, Easter Sunday was when people use to don new clothes and bonnets and go to church. The Easter Bonnet was introduced by composer Irving Bennet when he referred to the New York Easter Parade in a musical composition.

So if you are wondering what to do during the Easter break, head to New York for your holiday travel. Get into the Easter spirit with native New Yorkers and walk down to 5th Avenue to participate in the parade or to just watch the drama. The Easter Parade is without the traditional floats and marching bands but it’s a unique New York experience nevertheless. Loads of tourists from all over the world flock to see the Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival and some even participate with their own versions of fancy bonnets.

A Bonanza of Easter Bonnets and Easter Baskets

If you are pondering about what to wear for the parade then that really depends on whether you want to be creative, zany, outrageous, make a political statement or just have fun. Remember this is New York where anything goes. The focus of your attire of course should be your Easter bonnet. Some people simply buy a bonnet from a store while others go to great lengths to create one.

Fashion divas, drag queens, little girls, grandmothers, political activists, artists, you name it…every kind of person of every age and colour walks down 5th Avenue wearing colourful bonnets. Some bonnets are topped with birds made out of paper while others sport live cats. Flowers are a common theme and remind us of spring.

From small and delicate bonnets to large and outsized ones that dwarf the wearer, the imaginative bonnets create a colourful spectacle. Rabbits, dogs, cats, snakes and other pets also join their owners and it’s quite common to see dogs too wearing elaborate hats and bonnets.

A lot of attention is also lavished on fantastic Easter Baskets which the participants carry in their hands. The Easter Baskets are decorated with Easter bunnies, eggs, flowers, birds etc.

The Easter Bonnet Parade in New York is an informal parade where people just stroll down a road that’s closed to vehicular traffic. Even if you don’t want to participate, you can amble along with the participants or watch the fun from a street-side deli. A great spot to watch the parade is from the area around St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Easter Bonnet Parade Route

From 49th to 57th Street along 5th Avenue.

Easter Bonnet Parade Timings

10am to 4pm on Easter Sunday.

New York Weather

Temperatures range from 7°C to 16°C with chance of rain.

Easter Eggstravaganza in Central Park

This is a free event that includes loads of entertainment and activities for kids. Entry is free and kids can join an Easter Egg Hunt, participate in an egg roll race, watch a puppet show, interact with clowns, get their faces painted etc. There’s also a race where kids have to build their own Easter baskets. The Eggstravaganza usually takes place on the South Lawn in Central Park.

While in the Big Apple, discover other fascinating sights and things to do so you can make the most of your New York Holidays.

If you are looking for a pristine private beach where you may not even see another soul, be prepared to pay for the exclusive experience! Below are mentioned some of the most spectacular beach resorts offering an incredible mix of seclusion, location and luxury.

Kamalame Cay, Bahamas

You arrive at this extraordinary island resort in a private ferry or a seaplane. The resort is just off Andros island in the Bahamas and covers an area of 96 acres of lush tropical vegetation. It has a 3-mile long beach and even a fresh water pool and yet there are just 19 villa suites and cottages, ensuring that each unit has a secluded beach on its doorstep. As you can expect in the Bahamas, the island’s private beach is pristine.
A barrier reef, the world’s third longest, is just a mile of the island’s shores, providing the perfect place to dive and snorkel. Kayaking, windsurfing and fishing are some of the other water activities available to the guests. A good spa refreshes and rejuvenates guests after a long day on the beach.
Kamalame Cay has a wonderful rustic feel with an understated luxury. Its 19 villas and cottages are built with local stone and have white washed walls and solid teak Indonesian furniture. Simple but elegant white muslin curtains adorn the wide windows and create an airy and spacious feel.
The seafood is incredibly fresh and the Caribbean cuisine is truly superb. You can enjoy a romantic dinner on the beach amidst tiki-torches and candles.
Best time to visit: Mid-December to Mid-April. Carry a jacket as it can get nippy at night. Temperatures range from 24°C to 29°C.

Amanpulo, Philippines

This is one of Asia’s best beach resorts and it doesn’t just have a private beach – it occupies the entire island of Pamlican.
A short flight from Manila will take you to the island’s private airstrip. From here on, you are in paradise. The beaches are absolutely fantastic and the island is ringed by a 7-km-long reef. You have your own golf cart to explore the private island.
There are 40 casitas, or traditional Philippino houses, situated on the beach, on the hill and in treetops. Each casita is spacious and has a lovely sundeck and a cavernous bathroom.
If you don’t want to stretch out on a mattress on the beach then there’s a 30-meter pool by which you can lounge. The more active guests can go snorkeling, diving, kayaking, fishing or sailing. Meals are at restaurants overlooking the sea. Spa treatments are available in two dedicated casitas, an open air hut or even in your own casita.
The décor uses a lot of wood which gives the resort a warm feel. The service is excellent and the location is simply out of this world. Perhaps that’s why it attracts a lot of honeymooners!
Best time to visit: November to May when the average temperature is 26°C and the weather is dry.

Le Taha’a Private Island & Spa, Tahiti

This is ranked as one of the most exclusive beach resorts in the world. The best way to get to the Motu Tautau coral reef on which it is located is by a 15-minute helicopter ride from Bora Bora. The resort faces Taha’a island on its lagoon side and Bora Bora on its ocean side and offers spectacular views everywhere you look. It comprises 12 beach villas and 48 Over Water Bungalows. All of them are extremely spacious and have been built in traditional Polynesian architecture.
The beach villas have their own private plunge pools, terraces and walled off gardens. The over water bungalows have a wide private deck which leads directly to the lagoon.
The resort’s three restaurants, pool and other public areas face Taha’a island and are nestled between lush coconut groves.
The Manea Spa too has a fantastic location next to a meandering pool and overlooking Taha’a island. A visit is definitely recommended.
The snorkeling near the lagoon isn’t great but you can go diving to nearby dive sites. Kayaks, pedalos, canoes and snorkeling equipment is available for free. The resort also organizes cruises and excursions for its guests.
Le Taha’a is a luxurious and romantic getaway for those who want to escape the mundane. The turquoise waters and soft, white sand on a private beach in the South Pacific make for great holiday travel.
Best time to visit: June to October when the weather is cooler and drier. The average temperature is 24°C to 30°C and the water temperature ranges between 23°C and 26°C.

Read about more Romantic Destinations. and also check out Best Hawaii Beach Destinations and Beach Holiday Destinations for more holiday travel ideas.

So you have heard of all the incredible buildings and the property development that has been happening in Dubai over the last five years. Yet nothing prepares you for the reality. The real estate projects are on a different scale altogether. Burj Dubai – the world’s tallest building, the Palm Islands – the largest manmade islands in the sea, The World – islands shaped like the different continents, Burj Al Arab – the largest all-suite hotel, to name a few, are all here. The city is glitzy, ostentatious and ever changing. Dubai has some of the biggest shopping malls you have ever seen are here and new ones that are even bigger, brighter, bolder are being built.

The biggest surprise however, is that Dubai is nothing like your idea of an Islamic country. Expatriates from the subcontinent, Philippines, Europe, Australia, South Africa, Japan, Korea and the neighbouring Arab states outnumber the local Emiratis by far. Thus the city has a cosmopolitan culture and you will hear many languages being spoken, the most common of which is English. There are no restrictions on dress, unless someone is dressed truly indecently.

One of the highlights of your Dubai holiday will be the sheer variety of cuisine that’s available thanks to its ethnic mix. You should definitely try the Arabic delicacies on your visit to Dubai. The nightlife is amazing with an interesting mix of nightclubs, lounge bars, pubs and restaurants. All the restaurants and bars that serve alcohol are located in sports clubs or hotels with at least 3 stars. Hotels in Dubai like the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Emirates Towers, Atlantis, Dusit and the Madinat Jumeirah complex, are as much architecture statements for the city as they are hotels.

Private Beach

The other surprise in Dubai is its excellent beaches. The sand is powdery white and the water turquoise blue. Some of the posh hotels on the Jumeirah beach stretch have their own private beaches. Hotels with a private beach include Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa, Hilton Jumeira, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, Ritz Carlton, Madinat Jumeirah, Atlantis on the Palm Islands and of course the iconic and super luxurious Burj Al Arab. Parks such as Al Mamzar Beach Park and Jumeirah Beach Park also have nice beaches.

Thankfully there are also a few places that haven’t been obliterated by the building boom. The old markets in Deira and Bur Dubai still retain some of their ancient flavour with narrow, bustling alleys packed with small traders.

Things to do in Dubai:

This over-the-top city is a place to live it up. Here are a few things for you to do on your holiday travel in Dubai:

• Desert Safari: Get into a 4×4 and then hang on for dear life as expert drivers take you over mammoth sand dunes. It’s an incredible experience so don’t miss it. Your desert adventure will be followed by a barbecue and belly dancing at a desert camp.
• Strolling through Bastakiya: This is a small area where old houses with wind towers have been restored and converted into museums, art galleries and cafes.
• Visiting the Spice Souq: Walk down the creek in Bur Dubai and watch Dhows (traditional wooden ships) sailing by. Then take an Abra (a small boat) across the creek and go to the Spice Souq
• Wining & Dining: Thai Kitchen at Park Hyatt for contemporary Thai food, Asado at The Palace for Argentinean steaks, Zheng He at Mina A’Salam for Chinese, Bice at Hilton Jumeirah for Italian… There are hundreds of great places to dine well.
• Mall Trawl: Apart from shopping, check out the ski slope at the mall of the Emirates and the aquarium and dancing fountains on the lake at Dubai Mall. For an upscale venue go to Souq Madinat which has been built like a traditional Arabic souq or market.

Best time to visit Dubai:

November to March. Summers are scorching but come winter, the city comes alive and the weather is perfect for a day on the beach.

Read about the best Romantic Spas, Beaches, Cruises, Ski Resorts and more holiday travel ideas on this site.

Rajasthan, located in the northwest part of India, is the country’s largest state. Most of the area is covered by the Thar desert. The rich culture, magnificent palaces, massive forts, exquisite temples, vivid fabrics, soulful folk music and great cuisine create a rich kaleidoscope of experiences. This is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations.

The courageous Rajput clans ruled Rajasthan and they were as famous for their bravery as they were for their incredible wealth. You will glimpse their treasures and get an idea of their opulent lifestyle as you visit their palaces and forts. Apart from palaces, a lot of the old havelis – traditional residences which are often ornately carved – have been turned into heritage hotels and if you can, you must stay in one of them. Udaipur hotels, including the Lake Palace hotel, are as much tourist attractions as they are luxurious hotels.

Incredible handicrafts, block print fabrics, jewellery, carved furniture etc. make Rajasthan a great place to shop. Things are also inexpensive and tourists, whether local or foreign, flock to the busy markets.

To really appreciate everything the state has to offer, your Rajasthan holiday needs well over a month but there are some wonderful Rajasthan holiday packages of shorter duration that you can choose for your holiday travel.

Best time to visit Rajasthan: October to March

Listed below are the top destinations that should be part of your Rajasthan holidays.

Jaisalmer

The sprawling 12th century Jaisalmer fort sits atop Trikuta hill and dominates the city. Built entirely out of yellow sandstone, the fort rises above the desert below and shimmers with a golden hue and looks breathtaking at sundown. Also called the Golden Fort, life goes on much as it did hundreds of years ago with the exception of motorcycles that can be a nuisance when walking through the fort. It is the only medieval fort that’s still inhabited. You will find many wonderful temples and havelis inside the fort. Many of the havelis built with yellow sandstone have been converted into hotels and guesthouses so you can even live within the fort and enjoy wonderful views of the city and the desert below. Alternatively, accommodation is available on the plateau from where you can gaze up at the fort.
Jaisalmer is located in western Rajasthan in the heart of the Thar desert. So it’s the perfect place from where to go off on a camel safari and spend a night or two in a desert camp. The area around Jaisalmer can also be explored on the back of a camel.
Jaisalmer is an unforgettable experience and you should plan to spend at least two days here.

Jodhpur

Arguably India’s most impressive fort, Mehrangarh, rises above a steep 125-meter high hill and towers over the city of Jodhpur. The impregnable fort has walls that rise to a height of 36 meters in some places. A good audio guide is available free with your entry ticket to the fort.
The fort’s museum is a must-see as it gives you an insight into the superb artistry that went into building the palaces of the kings and also the decadent lifestyle they led. Don’t miss the Moti Mahal (palace of pearls), Sheesh Mahal (palace of mirrors) and Phool Mahal (palace of flowers) which have gold ceilings, royal palanquins, silk paintings, costumes, musical instruments, a throne… You will need at least a couple of hours to see the museum.
The fort offers gorgeous views of the city below. Many houses in the old city are painted indigo blue and the reason behind the blue colour is unclear. Some claim that only the Brahmin houses were painted blue while others claim that it was to repel termites. Whatever the reason, it is the reason why Jodhpur is called the blue city. The old city is a labyrinth of narrow alleys dotted with shops selling everything from spices to handicrafts.
The 347-room Umaid Bhavan palace is at the other end of the city from the fort. It is one of the largest private residences in the world. Work on the palace commenced as late as 1929 and one of the reasons for building such a grand palace was to provide employment to the poverty-stricken and drought hit residents of Jodhpur. It took 15 years to build the palace which is today divided into a hotel, a private residence and a museum. If you can’t stay at the hotel, go there for tea or a meal and visit the museum.
Modern Jodhpur is a bit of a disappointment and it’s best to skip it.

Udaipur

After the desert landscape of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, Udaipur comes as a surprise. It is a city of lakes and palaces with the verdant Aravali hills as a wonderful backdrop. Several palaces, temples and havelis dating back to the 16th century dot the lakes. It is called the city of dawn because it is at its most beautiful when the early morning rays fall on its cream and white structures.
The city has a serene feel and is often called the Venice of the East. Udaipur was voted ‘World’s Best City’ by the readers of ‘Travel + Leisure’ in July 2009. The choice came as a surprise to some but none can doubt its charm and beauty.
The City Palace is one of the largest palace complexes in India as it houses 11 separate palaces. Of particular note are Moti Mahal which is encrusted with mirrors, Manak Mahal or Ruby Palace, Krishna Vilas and Zenana Mahal. The City Palace sits on the shore of Lake Pichola overlooking the Lake Palace.
Lake Pichola has two islands: Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. The romantic Lake Palace, now a heritage hotel, entirely covers Jag Niwas island. It is the most famous of Udaipur hotels and probably the most photographed hotel in India. Do have a meal here and enjoy the glorious views of the City Palace and its surroundings, that is if you can’t stay here. Jag Mandir also has a palace called Gol Mahal where the young prince Shah Jahan is said to have sought refuge when he was plotting to overthrow his father, Emperor Jehangir.
The other places to see around Udaipur are the Eklinji temple complex where the maharaja of Udaipur prays on Mondays if he’s in town, the 16th century Kumbhalgarh fort, the intricately carved Ranakpur temples and the 7th century Chittaurgarh fort.

Read about the best Udaipur Hotels.

Jaipur

The capital of Rajasthan and its most visited city, Jaipur is a bustling, chaotic city and not as charming as some of the other cities in Rajasthan. The colourful bazaars, grand palaces and hilltop forts though give you an idea of Jaipur’s grandeur. It is called the pink city because the buildings and walls of the old city were built out of reddish pink stone.
The five storeyed Hawa Mahal has intricate latticed windows and was built so that the royal ladies could observe the activities on the street below without being seen. Jantar Mantar is an observatory with an enormous sundial and was built in the 18th century. The City Palace has some fine buildings and artifacts. Amber, or Amer, fort sits on the outskirts of Jaipur on craggy hills. It is an imposing edifice and has some lovely palaces inside.
Jaipur is ubiquitous with shopping so keep aside time to browse. From blue pottery, linens, home furnishings and handicrafts, to rugs, hand printed fabrics, leather footwear and gems and jewellery, you will be overwhelmed by the choice. The prices are reasonable and a bit of bargaining is almost the norm.

More travel ideas and places to visit in Rajasthan: The white marble Jain Dilwara temples in Mount Abu and Ranthambhore National Park to spot tigers in the wild.