Kotor by the bay - South Europe
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You may not have heard of the sea-side city of Kotor in Montenegro yet, but it won’t be this way for long. In 2005, Montenegro, in south Europe, was identified by the World Travel and Tourism Council as the “fastest growing travel and tourism economy in the world” and since then, it’s been cropping up on quite a few lists of hot destinations.
Kotor, located along one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays, Boka Kotorska, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which recognizes cultural and natural heritage of outstanding value.
Surrounded by towering mountains, Kotor’s natural beauty is breathtaking. But the city itself, with its well-preserved Old Town, will not disappoint either.
Built between the 12th and 14th century, the Old Town is a labyrinth of streets, and is home to cathedrals and other buildings that are testament to the city’s rich heritage. Much of the architecture is of Venetian origin, featuring distinctive doors and balconies, while others, such as St Tryphon’s Cathedral, one of the city’s most recognizable symbols, have a definite Roman flavor.
After a day of exploring, sit back and enjoy a drink at one of its bars and restaurants for an experience that brings together the best of both worlds: the old and the new.
The insider story of Barcelona
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This story was told by Shopkeeper Rosa Baneres, who was born in Barcelona and grew up there. Here she shares her treasured spots in the city.
Favorite spot: The Romanesque church and cloisters of Sant Pau del Camp at the end of Carrer Sant pau off Las Ramblas. You can tell by the stone carvings over the main door that this is one of Barcelona’s oldest churches.
Best meal: Flas-flas (La Granada del Penedes) which hasn’t changed since it opened in 1970s. They’re known for their tortillas, but I love their hamburgers, especially the Cadillac - beef with layers of bacon, crapers, and cheese.
Hidden treasure: The Eixample Dreta - the part of this 19th-century area that lies to the right of Passeig de Gracia on the map. There’s so much to see in the buildings here - stained glass-enclosed balconies, cornices and carvings. When the great doors are open, you can see elaborate lamps and polished marble where the carriages used to be.
Best music: jazz Si club for Flamenco on Friday nights. They start at 8.30pm but by 8pm, you can’t even get in. The stage is tiny, but really powerful bailaor (dancer) can leave you in tears.
View: Go up the hill to Tibidabo on the funicular which goes to the amusement park. The whole city is at your feet.
Must have experience: A stroll starting from Jaume I, down the narrow lanes leading to Correos, the main Post Office, passing through Placa Sant Just nad Lledo. There are abandoned places, grand houses, an old shop that still doesn’t seem to have electricity, carpenter’s shops and a Roman tower inhabited by stray cats.
Quiet Spot: The laribal gardens on Montjuic - full of shady corners where you can feel quite removed from the world.
Market: The mercat Sant Antoni. Going to the indoor food market as a child with my grandmother, I used to have my own little basket and stallholders would put one of everything in it, one fish, one peach, one tomato… The encants (street market) were magical, the stalls selling clothes, shoes and toys, and they’re the same today as they were then.
Bangkok: 5 Must Dos
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If you happen to visit Bangkok, then you must do at least 5 things to feel the real Bangkok:
1) Old Kingdom
A walk around the glittering Grand Palace (Na Phra Lan Road, Old City) provides a true feel for the glory of the ancient Thai Kingdom. Much of the sprawling complex is closed to the public but you can visit the outer court with two throne halls. Thai come here to worship at the Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the emerald Buddha), with its 18-inch (45.7cm) Buddha (carved from green jadeite, actually). Outside its walls is Wat Po, famous for its 46m by 15m gold leaf-covered reclining Buddha.
Cross the road to the Tha Tha Chang pier for a ride along the khlongs (canals) in a long-tail boat (opt for the smaller and slower but quiter wooden boats). Glide past homes, shops, temples and orchid gardens in the Thonburi area. Boats can be hired privately at several piers, including alongside the famed hotel, The Oriental.
2) New Kingdom
Ascend the 61 floors of the Banyan Tree Bangkok hotel to its post Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar from 5pm to 1am for cocktails with a panoramic view of Bangkok. Then head across town to the ultra-modern and hip Bed Supperclub, which has been described as a merging restaurant, club, art gallery and theatre. Enjoy a four-course set meal of Thai fusion food on weekends and Chef specials on weeknights, served while you lounge on a bed. Then dance to sounds by imported DJs at the bar next door.
3) Thai Dishes with a View
Cross the Chao Phraya river, the main artery of the city’s famed life along the water, on a 1930s-style boat to Supatra River House’s restaurant by the water. The menu is traditional Thai Cuisine and comes with great views of Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Khon Mask dancing, which takes place every Saturday night. The restaurant is located next door to the Patravadi Theatre where its modern dance troupe premieres on Friday nights and its annual Fringe Festival of Dance showcases contemporary pieces in January and February.
4) Shopping Novelties
In between the unique shopping experiences of the weekend Chatuchak market (take the skytrain to Mochit Station) and the Suan Lum Night Bazaar (take the skytrain to Saladaeng station), seek out bargains at the Bon Marche Market (Thetsaban Sangkaro Road near Wat Samiennaree) with its local foods and lifestyle wares. Then ponder the exquisite silk products at the legendary Jim Thompson House, the historic teak home of this American former military officer who revived Thailand’s silk industry.
5) Menu of Rejuvenation
Many locals and travelers seek out the opulent serenity and one-stop menu of rejuvenation and medical treatments at the S Medical Spa. Signature offerings include an aquatic message in a heated pool, synchronized messaging by two therapist, Tom Yum firming massage, non-surgical facelifts, laser procedures and genetic screening. They also have a gym, a jet lag program and rooms for celebrities. Prices start from US$100.
Trust me; you’ll enjoy the exotic Bangkok to the fullest.
China Luxury Train
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China’s first luxury train has just opened for bookings for its launch trip on September 1, 2008, offering passage into regions of China previously inaccessible to luxury travelers.
The Tangula trains travel on two routes, the Northern and the Southern, offering three - and four night journeys. Price start from US$3,300. The Northern route runs from Beijing to Lhasa and back, while the southern route runs from Beijing to Lijiang and back.
The trains are custom-built with deluxe amenities including 24/7 butler service, in-room wellness treatments, full-size beds, flat-screen TVs, gourmet cuisine, and fine wines and spirits. For bookings, contact Tangula Reservation Center at 86 10 5809 5333 or email reservations tangula@kempinski.com
Singapore New Developments
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In a bid to position Singapore as a premium destination to work, live and play in, the government has gone to huge efforts to develop premium locations on the island in the hope of attracting global investors, expatriates and visitors. Some of the newest developments can be found in the Marina Bay Area, ant they include:
The Singapore flyer
Opened in March this year, the Singapore flyer is one of the newest waterfront attractions in Singapore. Standing at 165 meters, the Singapore flyer is a giant observation wheel that was developed at the cost of S$240 million. It offers 30-minutes rides in air-conditioned and UV light-protected capsules, and allows visitors to enjoy dramatic views of the Singapore landscape.
Marina Bay Sands
The marina Bay sands is slated for completion in 2009, and will be one of the firsts casinos in Singapore. It was built with the objective of enhancing Singapore’s reputation as a must-visit destination for leisure and business visitors. When completed, Marina Bay Sands will be similar to major resorts in the Bahamas and las vegas, and will offer visitors a range of amenities from hotels, convention facilities and entertainment shows to themed attractions, luxury retail, fine dining and casino gaming.
Marina Bay Financial Center
One of the key areas to look out for is the two billion dollar Marina Bay Financial Center, which is expected to open in 2010. Set to be the Canary Whart of Singapore, it was conceived and designed by Gene Kohn of New York- based architectural firm Kohn Pederson Fox Associates (the guys responsible for the Shanghai World Financial Center and The World Bank Headquarters) and is envisioned as a “city in a garden” complete with sky gardens, landscaped public spaces and dramatic crystalline office towers and residential homes surrounded by stunning bay, city and seascape vistas.
Marina at Keppel Bay
Marina at Keppel Bay is set to become one of the most exclusive and sought after residential addresses. Located within close proximity to the CBD, recreational Island Sentosa and Maritime Port Authority, it is the only residential area in Singapore to boast a marina on its own private island. Facilities include berths for 170 yachts, including an individual pontoon berthing system for mega-yachts of up to 250 feet, a unifloat concrete pontoon system built by Bellingham marine, fixed breakwater protecting larger berths, a reticulated vacuum sewer pump-out system, and the latest security technologies designed by Oneberry Technologies. Long term business visitors to Singapore who are planning to stay at least six months can rent one of the 168 corporate units at the award-winning Caribbean at Keppel Bay, which is situated by the water.