Showing posts with label Islands. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Islands. Show all posts

Monday, 28 April 2014

 A new research sponsored by The United State Travel association states, “a travelling couple is the happiest couple.”

“ Couples who take out time from their busy lives to go on a holiday together at least once a year report happier, healthier companionship as opposed to those who do not travel much as couples.”


According to the survey, around 63% of couples stated a weekend getaway is indeed more likely to kindle romance than gifts. And 77% of couple who travel together frequently to romantic getaway destinations reported that they have a good intimate bonding than the couples who do not travel together for a holiday.  59% of couples stated that being more intimate is a vital reason to go on a holiday to a romantic destination as deux.
image courtesy - dailymail.co.uk

Many of our readers ask us often “Which are the top most romantic destinations?”

 So if you are planning to rekindle the spark of love and intimacy with a romantic escape, here we have rustled up seven super romantic destinations around the world for a romance-inspired trip.
Image credit - couplesresorts.co.uk

From Maldives’ secluded golden beaches to Savannah’s captivating B&Bs, these romantic holiday destinations are ideal for woo-ing your better half. 

World’s No#1 Romantic Destination…….its Paris for Sure

“Everything seems sexy and poetic in Paris – the enchanting buildings, the grand Eiffel Tower, the sweet language, the delicious food and the pretty Parisians,” charms every couple who goes for a holiday in the City of Light. Just walking around the city makes you want to be in love!

Paris seems to be irresistible to couples who want to go on a romantic holiday, and has again been rated as No#1 for romance in the World’s Best Awards survey 2014.

 For both the art freaks and love birds, ranking Paris as the best romantic city in the world may appear cliché, but this mad heart wants what the heart wants (and we all know heart is always right, irrespective of the fact that it is located on the left in our body).

Walks along the Seine, cobbled lanes and tree-packed boulevards, a simple glass of red wine in a serene bistro, candle light dinner at the front of Eiffel Tower or a romantic stop at the Musee Rodin all add to the l’amour Parisienne. Paris certainly exudes romance. 

 Do Not Miss – Des Vosges, a picnic-perfect spot, one of Paris most charming and oldest squares, surrounded by exquisite 17th-century mansions in the Marais Quarter.

Visit World’s No#1 Romantic Holiday Destination Paris

Setting Stage for Love appears to be the City’s Second Nature….. It is Venice, Of course

The city of water rises on the top of the list of Best cities in the World, when it comes to love and romance – and it is easy to understand why.  Its cobblestoned alleys, iconic canals and veiled bridges are ideal for getting lost in with the love of your life.

Check out the ancient architecture; walk through the palaces & piazzas and while away the day in art galleries, canal-side cafes and chic boutiques.

Do not Miss – The legendary glory of Hotel Cipriani on calm Giudecca Island, rendering amazing balcony views of St. Mark’s Square and a private wooden boat for crossing the lagoon.

When Romance is all You Need, Visit Venice 

Most Romantic Archipelago on the Planet……The Maldives, certainly

Maldives is a sizzling romantic holiday destination; it feels like you are in your private paradise with a stay in one of the exotic overwater bungalows along the pristine turquoise sea.  Love and Maldives go together like Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy and Romeo and Juliet…..okay you got the idea.

Bask on the private golden beaches and feel like you and your spouse are in your own beautiful, blessed world.  To wind up the day in paradise, what can be more romantic and sizzling than a candle lit dinner on the beach, indulging in grilled lobster and king prawns?  Absolutely nothing!
Maldives islands
image credit - wow-maldives.com

Do Not Miss – Go to Vilamendhoo Resort and Spa, as you will not find a more idyllic setting for romance. It is home to beaches so pure and waters so clear, you will definitely pinch yourself to ensure you are wake. If some romantic alone time with your spouse is on your mind, we recommend a Jacuzzi Water Villa, with a sun terrace and stairs directly towards the bath-like lagoon.

Visit Maldives, The Most Romantic Archipelago on the Planet 


Eternal City for Love…….Yes it is Rome

When in Rome, romance like Romans, passionately and deeply. Romance is certainly an essential part of Rome’s heritage – it is not dubbed as the Eternal city just for nothing – with its baroque churches, medieval ruins and epic monuments vying with enchanting trattorias for your attention.

Indulge into pleasure by taking a table for two by a millennia-old fountain, drinking yum cappuccino and soaking the fresh breeze all in.

ROME
image courtesy - accunet.org
Do Not Miss - A romantic stroll over cobblestones on the 2300-years old Appian Way, past ancient statues, royal palaces and Roman countryside.

Visit the Eternal City of Love, Rome 


Love the idea of cozying up by fire in splendid B&B, then visit Savannah, GA

Inviting B&Bs in Flowering squares and tree-canopied streets, there are myriad classic romantic tropes in beautiful Savannah. And with all its thought ghostly haunts, it is an ideal romantic holiday destination to cling tight to your spouse.

Wander hand-in-hand via the historic districts, halting to see local artisans knit palm fronds into charming roses. Or simply relish peaceful time together watching the boats float steadily down the river.
Savannah, Georgia
im

Image credit - flickr
Do not Miss - Cozying up and getting intimate on a four-poster canopy bed or fireplace in the luxurious century Hamilton Turner Inn, offering afternoon wine in the saloon and park views.

A City Synonymous with Romance, it is surely Florence, Italy

With its sparkling red-roofed buildings near the Arno backdrop by rolling hills, it is no stupor this Renaissance city leaves tourists love-struck. Nothing speaks romance more than watching the divine sunset from the Florence’s Piazzale Michelangelo.
Image courtesy - wikipedia

After a day gawking frescos in the museums in Florence and sipping Chianti in cafes, you would have to be dead not to experience a little erotic in the city of passion.

Do Not Miss - Mind-sweeping skyline panoramas from the Giardini Bardini, or necessary souvenir shopping in the captivating Oltrarno quarter, with its chic boutiques and artisan workshops.

Rekindle the Fire of Love and Passion in Florence, Italy



Where the Romance Fever Soars High…. It is definitely Carmel, CA

Art galleries, inviting eateries, quaint shops and storybook cottages in the amusing seaside village adjacent to one of northern California’s most splendid swaths of sand!

Wander along the cypress-fringed road overlooking the rocky coast or cuddle and kiss on the Pacific and watch the Pacific.   

Hop in your car for an ultimate romantic road trip down the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway to this popular beach hideaway.  Formerly known as an artists’ colony, Carmel is today a romantic refuge for those who yearn for a slow paced beach escape.

Take a Romantic Road Trip to Carmel, CA
Image courtesy - wikipedia

Be it a spectacular cityscape, cup of coffee to make your sing or an overflow of culture, the world’s most romantic holiday destinations offer a lot to love; these destinations will certainly let the sparks fly. 



Thursday, 10 April 2014

Parks, Beaches, Islands, Museums and Adventure Activities………… and what not…Auckland is an Ultimate Holiday Destination – for both families and Individual travelers (like me)!


The vibrant, small-scale city, Auckland is a breeze of cool-fresh air. Also, known as “City of Sails”, Auckland is situated on a narrow isthmus of land on New Zealand’s north island and allures sailors, families, outdoor sports enthusiasts and backpackers. 

 A Backdrop

Regularly nominated amongst the world’s cities offering premium “quality of life”, Auckland is a small, contemporary and friendly choice – an ideal base for any exploration of beautiful NZ – be it relaxed exploration or adrenaline rush giving adventure activities.

 Moreover, as the largest  known metropolis in Polynesia, it is certainly a cosmopolitan melting pot of cultures, mixing ancient Maori culture with English, Asian and Australian influences; thus, creating a capital that is refreshing unpretentious, modern and engaging.

Auckland
Auckland 
Read on to know the top 10 things Not to Miss When on a Holiday in Auckland:


Visit the Auckland Sky Tower – The Biggest Attraction

 Soaring 328 meters above the ground is Auckland Sky Tower where from the peak you will be able to see Auckland Harbor Bridge (a sparkling bridge) and 50 extinct volcanoes surrounding the place. This place is a must visit for adventure enthusiasts as they can do Sky jump, where you will find yourself tied up and falling from the Sky at around 85kmh. 

Auckland Sky Tower
Auckland Sky Tower 
Explore the Wynyard Quarter

In recent years, Wynyard Quarter has seen huge development and today, it is one of those places where something or the other is always going on…hustle-bustle 24*7.

On Friday nights during summer, you will find movies playing out in the open at Silo Park Cinema, and on Saturday mornings during the warmer months are reserved for Silo Park Markets.

 Moreover, there are myriad good restaurants to try, art installations to check out or if you are in the relaxation mode then you can head to Karanga Plaza and unleash yourself at the extra large wooden recliners. 

Wynyard Quarter
Wynyard Quarter
Climb Mount Eden

To get a different perspective of the city, visit Mount Eden. This dormant volcano, nestling in the suburb of Mount Eden, confers panoramic views from the apex natural point. It might be a bit tad of a limb to get up there; however, I must tell you, it is worth it when you get to the apex.

Your holiday in Auckland is not complete until you climb Mount Eden. 

Mount Eden
Mount Eden
Check out the Domain

At 75 hectares, Domain is Auckland’s oldest and largest park, ideal for relaxing if the weather is pleasant. While you are there, you can go for a self-guided sculpture checking park tour, visit Auckland museum, walk around the winter gardens and simply sit back and relish the seemingly infinite expanse of greenery around you.


Ashburton Craft Village
Ashburton Craft Village
Check out Waiheke Island

Love culture, food and wine?  You will certainly love Waiheke Island. Found in the centre of the Hauraki Gulf, the magnificent island is famous for its supreme quality wineries, chromatic landscape and array of adventure activities from archery to mount biking. 

Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island
 Drive to Piha

 There is as such no public transport to Piha, situated on the west coast of Auckland; however, it is worth taking a car on rental and driving there. Whether you want to relish stunning ocean views and climb Lion rock, hike the Waitakere Ranges or walk to KiteKite Falls or simply lay on the beach, you would not be stuck for fun things to do and enjoy in Piha. 

Piha beach to Lion Rock.
Piha beach to Lion Rock.
Explore Auckland Art Gallery

At the nitty-gritty of the city, Auckland Art Gallery is home to approx 15,000 traditional and contemporary artworks, has 3-permanent Maori works that were commissioned primarily to celebrate the establishment of the art gallery building and hosts travelling exhibitions. 

It is a fantabulous place to know about the culture of New Zealand, and both new and old parts of the building are spectacular. 

Auckland Art Gallery - Kitchener Street
Auckland Art Gallery - Kitchener Street
Do a Little Shopping

Queen’ ST is hoarded with typical Kiwi high-street shops such as Glassons and Cotton; however, if you are in the market to buy things that are unique and exclusive then get yourself to Karangahape Road; here you will find ample vintage stores.

 On the contrary, if designer boutiques are what match your style, then head towards Lorne ST or a local suburb of Ponsonby, you certainly would not be disappointed. 
Queen StMall for shopping in Auckland
Queen StMall for shopping in Auckland


Spend a Relaxing Day at the Beach 

When on a holiday in Auckland, visit Takapuna, on the north shore has a picturesque beach with serene water and a sultry view of Rangitoto Island. Another beach you must check out is at Mission Bay, where there are free barbeques. 
takapuna beach in auckland
Takapuna beach in auckland


Do Bungee Jumping

Adrenaline junkies will immensely love the Auckland Bridge Bungy. It is an excellent method to see more of Waitemata Harbor as you have your way towards the drop point and certainly a memorable adventure activity of your time in Auckland. 






With a clutch of amazing culture centers, enough attractions and elite restaurants to cope with the Island’s frequent-changing weather, Auckland renders big-city fun in a handsome, reasonable package.
In order to optimize your flying expenses, it is recommended that you plan your vacation for at least a fortnight if not more because the right balance of vacation is one where your duration of stay must be equivalent to flight duration to arrive your destination.
If you are planning to have vacations in Auckland, take a look at Flights to Auckland with Hoodaki, adventure tours and luxury holidays.