Wednesday 31 August 2016

REASONS TO VISIT PHILIPPINES IN OCTOBER 2016

Masskara Festival 2016 

(Bacolod, Philippines)

 October 19, 2016



The Masskara Festival is the biggest annual celebration in the city of Bacolod in Negros Island in the Philippines. The city holds this festival every October for the past 30 years and it is now one of the most attended festivals in the country.
The word masskara means ‘mask’ and this explains the festival's distinct characteristic - dancers wearing smiling masks adorned with beads and other ornaments. The festival features carnivals, fairs and a Mardi-Gras style celebration by costumed and masked street dancers. The story behind this festival is quite sorrowful contrary to the smiling faces of the masks worn by people celebrating the festival. 



Other events that characterize the festival include a dance-off contest where participants show off their skills, a beauty pageant, and food frenzies as well as live music. So, do visit the Philippines this October to enjoy the Masskara Festival!!
It's more fun in the Philippines

Crescent-shaped beaches dusted with talcum powder-like sand; uninhabited tropical islands, lush impenetrable jungles bristling with unique wildlife, the thrusting soaring capital of Manila, historic cities, a diverse local cuisine and culture … the Philippines has all this and more. Go there and discover some of the 7,107 islands of this vibrant archipelago where English is widely spoken, the people are fun loving and life moves to a lilting beat.

Notes to Editors:
o   2016 is another banner year as the Department of Tourism has launched the Visit the Philippines Again (VPA) 2016 campaign. It is a retail based campaign to drive urgency and excitement among foreign travellers to visit the Philippines and return in 2016 for more fun, friendship, feel-good adventures, and fabulous memories to cherish.

o   Indian travellers holding any of the valid and current AJACSSUK visas (US, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen, Singapore and UK) are allowed visa free entry into the Philippines for a period of 14 days, from all international airports & seaports.

o   To know more about other events in the Philippines, please visit: www.tourism.gov.ph, www.phl2015.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com, www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com, www.buzzphilippines.in

For any other information, please contact:
Neha Nirmalkar : Phone:+91-
011-23344179


Monday 29 August 2016

WHY I WANT TO TRAVEL TO NEW ZEALAND DURING SPRING

Travelling to New Zealand has been in my wish-list since a while now. I was overwhelmed knowing about the exquisiteness it holds in Spring Season. I would love to be left alone in the wildness of nature, to explore its virgin beauty with less crowd to disturb me. 

I would love to go for hikes for a couple of miles in the various shades of colourful vegetation around me. When I am close to the coastline, I would enjoy diving or kayaking in the calm waters, sitting back at one of the beaches in the hot spring & rejuvenate myself.

I have never tried skiing but experiencing new activities is what life is all about?  

I am fond of talking but when in such a beautiful views, who like talking? I would want to shut my mouth & let my camera speak a million of words with each click, I take. 

Making a memory for a life time to look back at the interminable beauty of nature.

New Zealand’s spring months – September, October, and November – set their own unique tone for enticing outdoor holiday experiences. 
Spring in New Zealand is a lively season inspired with colour, flavoured with early produce and new wine releases, and populated by new life and creative festivals celebrating everything from seafood to arts and culture. 


Blooming spring 
Spring is definitely the season to admire the beauty of New Zealand’s flora and forests, wild and landscaped, at their very best. From the yellow swathe of kowhai trees with their 
nectar-heavy flowers that are a magnet for native songbirds, and the surreal green of unfurling fern fronds to massed spring bulbs, wild lupines and brilliant rhododendrons, new life pops up everywhere to be celebrated in a series of garden festivals throughout October and November.  Hobbiton – New Zealand’s most famous garden – is never more glorious than when the pretty as a picture hobbit gardens blossom while, from north to south right across the country, many gardens of international and national significance open their gates to the public. 


Dip your toes in a spring 
A dip in thermal mineral waters holds extra appeal in spring before the summer heat and the crowds arrive. At Hot Water Beach, on the North Island’s Coromandel Peninsula, you can dig your own hot bath in the sand at low tide thanks to ancient springs beneath the beach and that makes for a convivial social event with your significant other or a group of friends. Just a little further south, Polynesian Spa – on the edge of Lake Rotorua - has been voted one of the world’s 10 best day spas. Soak off the day’s activities in a steaming, natural thermal pool or succumb to a reinvigorating mud treatment. 


Picture perfect spring 
All this loveliness and rampant new life on display means spring is a great time to be in New Zealand with a camera.  Beyond the extremes of winter and summer, the lengthening days mean photographers will be rewarded with lighter mornings to go with the flush of spring greens while snow remains on the higher mountain peaks making for excellent scenic images. Fields are filled with the bleating of spring lambs - a group of lambs in green pasture, back-lit with the morning sunshine and snow-capped peaks in the background is a quintessential New Zealand image. Off the beaten track, the ending of winter opens many unmade roads which are closed during the snow, allowing access with suitable vehicles to the road less travelled. 


Dive into spring 
New Zealand is long, relatively narrow, and encircled by an astounding 15,000 kilometers of coastline so you’re never far from the sea and large expanses of clear, calm waters that provide great conditions for diving, kayaking, fishing and other water sports.  
French explorer Jacques Cousteau named the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, just off northern New Zealand’s Tutukaka coast, as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world.  The Knights attracts tens of thousands of divers annually who come to explore the myriad wonders of this colourful yet ethereal underwater world inhabited by an amazing array of marine life.


Swish into spring
And finally, after a bumper winter season and some early September snow, the Queenstown ski fields are gearing up for one of the best spring ski seasons on record. Spring skiing in New Zealand offers more opportunities for milder days on the slopes without the crowds. The ski season continues through until October, giving snow sports lovers an extended chance to experience uncrowded fields or off-piste skiing, snowboarding and heli-skiing. Meanwhile, down off the slopes, Queenstown and nearby Wanaka are enjoying pretty blossoms on the trees, daffodils bursting into life and crisp fresh mornings followed by beautiful sun filled days – perfect for a relaxing escape, or for exploring the trails by bike or by foot.


Additional Information
Tourism New Zealand markets New Zealand to the world as a visitor destination. In the year ending June 2016, 3.3 million international visitors came to New Zealand.
 For more information kindly check:
 Website: newzealand.com/in 
 Hashtags: #NZmustdo     
               log on to www.newzealand.com or contact 
               Karishma Changlani | Genesis BursonMarsteller| karishma.changlani@bm.com



Friday 5 August 2016

ARE YOU AN ADVENTURE LOVER? PLAN A TRIP TO NAZCA LINE : PERU

Peru offers a wide spectrum of opportunities for the travellers, right from sightseeing to gastronomy, everything is magnificent and enticing. It is a country blessed with rich culture, mesmerizing beauty and breathtaking adventure sites. Machu Picchu is one of the major highlights of the trip of South America but there is much more to explore in Peru beyond this place. 

WHY PLAN A TRIP TO PERU?

It has all the adventure the tourists would want to explore. They can enjoy a boat ride in 
Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world; enjoy a fancy picnic in the middle of the dessert in Paracas, under the spectacular star-filled sky; exploring the mysteries of the Nazca Lines, tracings of mysteriously preserved drawings in the desert sand; visit the Colca and Cotahuasi Canyons, the deepest canyons in the world; fishing piranhas in the Amazon River, the mightiest river in the world; or experience the modern lifestyle sightseeing in the streets of Lima, the only capital in South America facing the Pacific Ocean. The uniqueness in the landscape, the people and the rich experience here makes Peru one of the most extra-ordinary destinations to visit.

ARE YOU AN ADVENTURE LOVER? PLAN A TRIP TO NAZCA LINE : PERU

Nazca Lines is amongst the Top 10 places to visit in Peru. The Nazca Lines were declared a World Heritage Site in 1994. Find out how you can make the most out of this experience.

Nazca Lines were drawn on the surface between the period 550 – 600 A.D. These are the greatest known archaeology’s enigma owing to its size, continuity, nature and quality.  Geographers have depicted them to be the living creatures, imaginary beings,  stylized plants and also many kilometres long geometric figures. These lines are associated with some astronomical functions. These images on the ground are so big in size that the best way to get a full view of them is overflying them.



Flying over Nazca Lines leave all the tourists spellbound as they glare at the perfect shapes of a spider, a lizard, different kinds of birds like humming birds, sea birds, a monkey, a whale and even spot the design of powerful Andean Condor.  The planes that are used to take tourists fly over Nazca are of the optimum standard. All the airplanes can accommodate 4-12 passengers + 1 pilot + 1 copilot. The tour departs from the Maria Reiche Airport that is located in Nazca itself. All year round, the flights are scheduled daily, although they are subjected to weather conditions. Nazca-Lines are surely one of the most impressive and prevailing mysteries of the Peruvian history and it would be surely an experience to cherish for your lifetime if given a chance to fly over them.


You can reach Nazca by bus from Pisco and Lima. The bus journey from Pisco takes about 3.30 hours and from Lima it takes about 6 hours to reach Nazca.  You can even take regular daily flights via LC Perú Lima - Pisco – Lima and continue with your journey. During the peak season starting from June to September the tour must be booked two weeks prior to the travel date to get confirmed seats.0

Sunday 31 July 2016

MY LUXURY STAY AT HERITAGE LE TELFAIR RESORT : MAURITIUS

FIRST GLANCE FROM THE AIRCRAFT
FIRST GLANCE FROM THE AIRCRAFT
After landing at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Mauritius by 
Air-Mauritius. We were given a warm welcome at the airport itself & we were transferred to this gorgeous super luxurious HERITAGE LA TELFAIR RESORT where we stayed for 2 nights..

WARM WELCOME
I was speechless after entering the lobby. “Look at the sight here, It is simply classy”, I exclaimed this to myself. It was impeccable looking at the high ceilings, soft colours to the walls, a beautiful flower decoration in the centre of the lobby. Whilst, standing at the lobby, I could have a significant view of the water bodies leading to the swimming pool & then to the beach, making the entire ambience look rich, giving the resort colonial look, Luxury is exclusive so is HERITAGE LA TELFAIR RESORT.

ENTRANCE
LOBBY
VIEW FROM RESORT LOBBY
I could not keep my eyes away from this view which came from standing right at the lobby. Itn't is outstanding? Indeed it is.

RESORT VIEW
It is named after famous Irish naturalist, Charles Telfair, who lived in the area in the 
19th century, the hotel basks in the history of Mauritius and the Bel Ombre region 
showcasing the rich heritage of this beautiful island OF THE DOMAINE DE BEL OMBRE.
WAY TO THE LOBBY
CHARLES TELFAIR
The Domaine de Bel Ombre is situated on the unspoiled south coast of Mauritius within
2500 hectares of preserved parkland, Heritage Resorts offers a palette of luxurious hospitality designed with the perfect blend of superb beach, luxuriant nature, relaxation,
history and adventure. It stretches from the hills of the Savanne Range to the turquoise 
lagoon, the “Domaine of Experiences” offers truly authentic Mauritian moments for all.

DESTINATION TO EXPLORE
• 2 five star resorts-

Heritage Le Telfair Golf  & Spa Resort  : We stayed here for two nights & were taken for the entire show-round of their properties in our stay.

Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort
  • Luxury villas: Heritage The Villas
  • The Frédérica Nature Reserve- I have written about my experience at this dense natural reserve while I was  in Mauritius, in my previous blog. Do read, if you missed on it. Too much fun & adventure to explore here, right in the heart of the nature.

Frédérica Nature Reserve
Frédérica Nature Reserve
• 12 restaurants and 8 bars
• Le Château de Bel Ombre
• 1 Spa village and 1 Spa millesime collection


SPA
• The C Beach Club- A Beach Resort
• 1 Baby & Kids Club and teens programme

MY STAY AT HERITAGE LE TELFAIR GOLF & SPA RESORT 
A beguiling blend of luxury, intimacy and elegant architecture exuding the ambience of
grand tradition properties for a stay tailored around fine dining, personalized service,
exclusive spa facilities and access to a multi award golf course. 

ACCOMMODATION
• Discrete village design with 20 separate villas of 6 or 8 rooms
• 158 spacious rooms with beautiful sea or garden views
• Room decor inspired by the plantation houses

MY ROOM
MY BATHROOM
MY ROOM
I will let this video speak a thousand words about my room before I say anything. It was a bliss staying here.


Being in the bathroom when you can see the beach, the shacks, sunsetwhat would you
call it? Simply astonishing! 
OUTSIDE VIEW FROM MY ROOM
There was also a pool just outside my room. It was surrounded my Lucian greenery all around which created a magic whenever you looked outside your room, specially for the nature lovers.

OUTSIDE VIEW FROM MY ROOM
We were lucky to enjoy the rain also, which made the resort look even prettier. After watching this video, you can visualize a little bit but you must visit this outstanding resort to enjoy the complete experience.




I can say, I was simply pampered in pure luxury when I got to my room, be it my bed or the wet area. My living room had a spacious bedroom, a vast wet area with a separate toilet, a separate changing room, 
a shower-room,a massive bath-tub. 
Not to be missed are the toiletriesI loved them. It had minty flavor, after using the shampoo,conditioner your head feels totally reinvigorated with the cooling effect of mint. They were from 7 colours.

TOILETRIES
Whilst, returning back to my room from the whole day sight-seeing, there were many surprises awaiting us back in the room. Be it, this tiny candy or a bottle of Wine or these yummy famous fruit jams. It made a great surprise for us!

ROOM
CANDIES ON THE BED
JAM
LICHI WINE
FOOD & BEVERAGE
As I have mentioned above, you can be choosy for your meals from a widespread culinary concepts in 12 restaurants. You will have to check the operating timings with the restaurant for their lunch/Dinner timings & whether they are open for breakfast/lunch or dinner.

When we reached the resort on our first day, it was already lunch time. We enjoyed our lunch near the swimming pool & beach. The food was simply lip-smacking.


FOOD
FOOD
We enjoyed our superb meal with some amazing views of white sands, various shades of blues & turquoises. The wind was blowing, making the white waves make some amazing music sounds. The whole view was spectacular.

OUR TABLE
OUR TABLE
OUR TABLE AT THE BEACH SIDE
SPECTACULAR VIEW



Breakfast was at Telfair’s main restaurant, Annabella, the next day. Breakfast-buffet was a perfect one with a lavish display of everything you want for your breakfast.
You can pick'n'choose as per your taste sensations. Annabella was just a minute walk from 
my room. 
• Lunch /Dinner around Domaine de Bel Ombre- 

Heritage Le Telfair : Ginja, Le Palmier, AnnabellaCavendish & "La Plage"
We were out for sightseeing during lunch on our 2nd day. But, present at Ginja for dinner. There was a great 
surprise awaiting us here with a huge tray of varieties of Tuna’s, sushi’s etc for us to savor.

OUR TABLE
SUSHI PLATTER
SUSHI PLATTER
Heritage Awali : Inifinity Blue, Balafon a la carte & Amafrooty

Heritage Golf ClubC Beach Club, Beach Resort; this is a must with such beautiful water
bodies all around. A small boutique where you can pick your swim wears, Tees & much more to enjoy. 

C Beach Club


C Beach Club
C Beach Club
• Cavendish bar + Le Kiosk Gourmet : Afternoon Tea (16h to 18h): For cakes and pancakes.
• Coco Shack (as per operating hours)- My experience was a fabulous one. It was a shack
 which plays with coconut in many attractive ways. Serves coconut water  in a stylish way. You can listern to the music in the back ground,sitting on a swing. I will share an elaborated blog on this. It is at the beach side of the resort & one can enjoy a superb view of sunset here.
COCO SHACK
SUNSET
SWIMMING POOL
Let my pics speak about the swimming pools at HERITAGE LA TELFAIR RESORT

SWIMMING POOL
SWIMMING POOL
I was here in June’16 which is  a winter season in Mauritius. I was so
temped to this plush pool, I did get into the pool for a few seconds but due to cold breezy winds, had to come out.

SWIMMING POOL



SWIMMING POOL

• GOLF EXPERIENCE
Unlimited green fees on the best championship golf course in the Indian Ocean and only 
Footgolf course on the island. It was a pleasant experience reaching here from HERITAGE LE TELFAIR RESORT on a golf-cart which took us about 10 mins to reach here.
GOLF COURSE
GOLF COURSE
• Refined and intimate couple experience
Couples do come to this magic island for their exclusive weddings & honeymoons. It gives the couples their personal undivided time. They  can have a great time at this romantic place which has a variety from mother nature-white sands, clear beaches, blue lagoons, clear blue skies, cool breeze. You can have a lifetime experience being here.


For Sea Lovers:
There are many Complimentary activities here likeWindsurfingLasersKayak ,
 PedalboatsGlass bottom boat tripsSnorkelingWater-skiing sessions
Aqua-gymTraditional fishing, Etc. Just book yourself in advance.

WATER SPORTS
Thanks to the HERITAGE LE TELFAIR RESORT team for taking care of us so well. I cherish all my lovely memories spend here. For all the luxury lovers, do not miss staying with your loved ones here.



OUR MEDIA TEAM & A MEMBER FROM HERITAGE RESORTS
P.S.- This was an Invite from Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority.