Canada is a beautiful country that also happens to be the host to numerous top ski destinations. Many of these resorts are easy to access and are only an hour or two driving distance from major airports.
Most of the top Canadian ski resorts also have some wonderful features which makes them a strong draw for a diverse range of skiers. Some of these features include renowned powder, various types of terrain, great verticals, stunning scenery, modern lifts and much more.
Most of the Canadian resorts enjoy a long ski season that starts in early November and extends through to June. However, the skiing resorts which are located in Whistler, British Columbia (just north of Vancouver, BC), have seen even longer seasons.
In the Whistler area, it is common for people to still be able to ski throughout the summer months. In addition, several of the top ones also utilize snow making equipment to ensure that mountain activities are available year-round.
The Fernie Alpine Resort promises to be one of the real up-and-coming Canadian ski resorts of the near future. While not widely known at this time, with each season their reputation grows and Fernie becomes more popular. Located in the gorgeous Kootenay Rockies, the resort is conveniently located and is only a three hour car ride away from Calgary, Alberta.
The Fernie Alpine Resort is known for the amazing powder snow that it boasts and because it is still unknown as one of the best Canadian ski resorts, you will rarely encounter crowded conditions on the slopes. This top one usually receives about 29 feet of snow per season, so even toward the end of the season there is plenty of white powder.
Fernie does offer some challenging blue and green runs to keep the experienced skier stimulated. There are also many skiing opportunities for beginners among the 107 designated trails at this resort.
Fernie Alpine Resort also offers what many of the other Canadian resorts do not; the ability to ski-in and ski-out of your accommodations. For many aficionados, the chance to go straight from the slopes to your door is the perfect scenario and a delightful benefit that helps to make this a perfect choice for a winter vacation. In addition to the ski-in convenience, Fernie is also family friendly with a childcare center that features this great sport schools for the little ones.
Another Canadian skiing destination worth checking out is the Big White Ski Resort, which is located in the Okanagan area of British Columbia. Big White is Canada’s largest resort that has been designed as a ski-in/ski-out winter retreat. Similar to the Fernie area, Big White is well-known for the “champagne powder” snow that it receives and for the unparalleled mountain top views of the pine tree packed valleys and slopes of the area.
Big White has the honor of being the highest situated winter village of all the Canadian lodges of this sport and receives over 25 feet of snow on an average basis. Big White Ski Resort also has an extensive Kid’s Center, which they claim is the ultimate playground for children. Ski Canada magazine recently rated this top one as the “Best Resort for Kids.”
The Sun Peaks and the Silver Star Ski Resort are two other top Canadian ski resorts that also need to be mentioned. They boast ski runs for various levels of experience and skill, both are easy to access and both also have a nice array of other activities for those who do not ski. In addition, all of these top ones in Canada offer an excellent value, especially because of the great exchange rates.
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Aruba. If this word makes you think of Paradise, of pristine beaches and a vibrant nightlife, of beautiful sites, of great all inclusive vacation resorts and perfect weather, you will not be disappointed.
Aruba is a charming contradiction, an island of “two faces”. Its milky beaches and transparent blue waters will make you feel like you are the first person to walk on the sand and soak your feet. But its Vegas-style casinos, parties and shows reveal the other, wilder side. Aruba is the perfect marriage of entertainment and leisure, an island where there really is something for everyone.
All inclusive resorts and Aruba are practically synonymous.
Engulfed in its ambience and relaxed atmosphere, the last thing you want to do is search for your wallet, worry about paying for daily meals and constantly watch the family vacation budget.
With the affordability and convenience of all inclusive resorts, Aruba visitors can forget all about that and let Aruba charm and spirit sweep them off their feet.
Aruba all inclusive resorts are some of the best in the world. There are over twenty five resorts on the island, but the best, highest rated ones are:
Wyndham Aruba Beach Resort
Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino
Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort
Radisson Aruba Resort and Casino
Aruba Grand Beach Resort and Casino
Allegro Aruba by Occidental
Aruba calling card is its year round perfect weather. Aruba is located well below the hurricane belt. It is one of the three islands, along with Bonaire and Curacao, located outside the hurricane belt. The average annual temperature is 83 degrees Fahrenheit, and rainfall amounts to just 17 inches a year, most of which occurs during the months of October, and November. It is rare and warm, lasting no more than 15 minutes. If you are planning a vacation of fun in the sun, picking Aruba is almost a guarantee you will not be stuck in your hotel room, watching gray clouds pass over the roof.
If the blue clear waters call your name, and in Aruba, they certainly will, you will find the island full of options.
Snorkeling, windsurfing, deep sea fishing, paragliding, jet skiing, Aruba is happy to oblige. If you can scuba, or want to learn, Aruba is world-famous for its coral reefs and friendly waters. At your all inclusive resort, many water activities are free. Others, like scuba, can be conveniently arranged by the concierge.
Exploring Aruba is easy with an island tour. Better yet, consider a Jeep tour. Driving is fun and the sites are incredible. Aruba most photographed spot is its natural bridge, a coral formation rising 25 feet above the sea. Kids love guessing what the cactuses, which dot the island outside the resorts, look like.
Popular sites include:
Oranjestad city tour
Wilhelmina Park
Fort Zoutman
Aruba Historical Museum
Willem III Tower
Archaeological Museum Aruba
Numismatic Museum
Natural bridge
Hooiberg Mountain
Fontein, Guadirikiri and Huliba caves
California Dunes
California Lighthouse
Chapel of Alto Vista
Church of Santa Anna in Noord
Arikok National Park
De Olde Molen, an old Dutch windmill from Holland
Balashi and Bushiribana gold mill ruins
Boca Prins Cove
San Nicolas
If you love gourmet food, Aruba does not disappoint on this front either. Every resort has its own buffet, featuring local and American cuisine, and plenty of seafood. One or two sit down restaurants inside of each resort serve dinner, exquisitely delicious and fresh.
After a long, relaxing day of being pampered and soaking up the sun at your all inclusive resort, enjoy one of Aruba Vegas style shows. The Broadway and Latin shows are long-time staples, along with the hilarious Do not Tell Mama show. You can also try your hand at poker or blackjack inside one of Aruba dozen casinos. Back at your all inclusive resort, drinks are, of course, included. Order your favorite and do not worry about the wallet at an all inclusive Aruba resort, you do not need it.
It is true what they say in Aruba. It is One Happy Island.
Chiang Mai, Thailand – September 2008 – Astudo Hotel & Resort Management’s portfolio has been expanding rapidly across Thailand over the last few years. After successfully launching several resort properties under its X2 Resorts, Away Resorts and Le Bayburi brands, Astudo has the honor to proudly present their latest development Away Mae-Rim – Chiang Mai, scheduled to open in November 2008.
Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand, and is the capital of Chiang Mai Province. It is located some 700 km (435 mi) north of Bangkok, among some of the highest mountains in the country. The city stands on the Ping River, which is a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River.
In recent years Chiang Mai has become an increasingly modern city. It has many attractions for the thousands of foreign visitors who come each year. Chiang Mai’s historic importance is derived from its important strategic location on an ancient trade route. Long before the modern influx of foreign visitors, the city served as an important centre for handcrafted goods, umbrellas, jewelry (particularly silver) and woodcarving.
The resort, set on 25 Rai (40,000 square meters), is ideally located in the tranquil Mae-Rim valley. This superb property provides the finest relaxation, a spa and excellent food and beverages. Understated rooms in huge sub-tropical surroundings offer lovely views over the surrounding mountains and a sense of calmness. A perfect place to relax and rejuvenate or to explore the well known Mae-Rim Valley.
The resort offers a combination of 50 rooms, comprising of:
- 2 Duplex Villas of 60 sqm.
- 1 Villa of 45 sqm.
- 13 Mini Suites of 45 sqm.
- 21 Pool Villas of 35 sqm.
- 5 Clubhouse Rooms of 30 sqm.
- 8 Budget Rooms of 20 sqm.
The standard room facilities offer individually controlled air conditioning, a mini bar, a personal safe and hairdryer, tea & coffee making facilities, DVD & CD player and satellite TV. The facilities of the resort include a restaurant offering a wide variety of Seafood, Thai and International cuisine, a spa, a swimming pool, a bar, a lounge and library.
Away resorts are the epitome of peaceful hideaways. All resorts offer guests every opportunity to truly slow down and enjoy their holiday but at the same time provide an interesting and unique array of activities and tours to provide a perfect balance for your holiday. A key hallmark of Away Resorts is their relaxed casual atmosphere, blended with high levels of individual service.
About Astudo Hotel & Resort Management
Astudo Hotel & Resort Management (www.astudo.com) is an international hotel management group based in Thailand. It manages 3 brands, with several properties in a growing portfolio and a fourth brand soon to be released.
X2 Resorts (www.X2resorts.com), Thailand’s first designer hotel chain, first launched in Kui Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan – December 2007 and followed by Samui, Suratthani – June 2008. Future X2 resorts anticipated to open in mid 2010 are X2 Koh Tan and X2 Koh Kood.
Away Resorts (www.awayresorts.com), Tropical Polynesian favour resorts, first launched in Koh Kood, Trat – October 2007 and followed by Chumphon in September 2008, Mae-Rim, Chiang Mai, Koh Pha-Ngan and Koh Samui in late 2009.
Le Bayburi (www.lebayburi.com), Luxury private residences, first launched in Pranburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan – July 2007 and followed by Koh Samui, Suratthani – scheduled to open in mid 2009.
Unknown to many tourists to Hawaii, this island state is home to many world class spas and resorts with an interesting array of spa treatments and activities to pamper and rejuvenate tired bodies and minds. The following are descriptions of some of these relaxing spas and resorts.
Spa Olakino & Salon. This spa is situated in the Waikiki Beach Marriott Hotel and is boutique spa. When you enter the second floor of the Olakino spa, you will feel that you are stepping into a volcanic rainforest. Plants, creepers and lava rocks rush to greet you. Then as you turn a corner, you can peer out from the windows and view the famous and vast Waikiki Beach. A visit to this unique resort spa is highly recommended not only for its spa treatments but also for its unique atmosphere.
If you are into Zen and meditation, then the Turtle Bay Resort is for you. This small resort has six treatment rooms, all of which are facing the beaches of Hawaii on the ground floor, there is also an area for meditation, an outdoor and indoor gym and elevator to the second floor spa treatment rooms.
If you are staying at the Hyatt Regency in the island of Muai, then you may wish to visit the in house Moana Spa. This is Hawaii’s only oceanfront spa. This 9,000 sq ft spa provides you with eleven treatment rooms, a gym and fitness center and a relaxation lounge.
Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea which is also on Muai is not something a spa enthusiast would want to miss. Not surprisingly, because Spa Grande is the biggest spa in Hawaii at the moment and has a total floor area of a whopping 50,000 sq ft complete with 40 treatment rooms. The interior of the spa is decorated with giant murals and Roman inspired sculptures. It boasts of an array of exotic spa treatments and a modern cutting edge gym.
If you are on the island of Kauai, then visit Princeville Health Club and Spa. This spa resort is very competitive in its pricing and treatment services are rather generous with its treatment services compared to other Hawaiian spas. Princeville Health Club and Spa is less than 10 minute’s drive away from the Princeville Hotel. Over here, you can find a 25m heated lap pool, an outdoor whirlpool and poolside massage cabanas in its 10,000 sq ft facility.
On Hawaii’s Big Island, you can find Kohala Spa. Kohala Spa is located in the Hilton Waikola Village. This is the oldest spa in Hawaii. However with its 25,000 sq feet area, it is largest spa on the Big Island. There are more than 30 treatment rooms in this spa and even have an indoor rock climbing facility. Go and enjoy and relax in its lava whirl pool and enjoy the rejuvenation of your mind, body and spirit.
Toshali Sands Resort is the first 4-star category resort in Orissa approved by the Dept. of Tourism & Gov. of India, sprawled across 30 acres of lush green lawn and gardens with overlooking views of Balukhanda reserve forest on the Konark Marine Drive (the most elegant location on Puri), Toshali Sands has tastefully decorated 105 air conditioned rooms, restaurant, three conference halls, shopping arcade, swimming pool, well-equipped gym, children parks, tennis courts and other indoor and outdoor games with recently done a renovation to recall the magnificence of yesterday with amenities and services customised for today.
Celebrating 25 years, Toshali Sands Ethnic Village Resort, gloriously renovated and refurnished by the designer Adarkars is located in the resort town of Puri on the world renowned Bay of Bengal coast. Built in the style of temple architecture and surrounded by lush gardens the hotel offers variety of exquisite rooms.
Toshali Sands is the first Indian resort affiliated to Resort Condominium International, U.S.A. (RCI). Toshali Sands is the only luxurious 4-star facilities village resort well equipped with all the modern facilities and services equivalent to the luxurious hotels in India. With its unique ethnic charm it offers everything that you could ask of a Resort Hotel with excellent luxuries. Every single cottage and room is a detailed work of art tastefully executed.
With a 109-room hotel and 50 private freestanding deluxe cottages, Deluxe villas and Executive Villas, the resort is the most spacious of the Puri, Orissa area’s luxury hotels. Guests can escape to a villa for an indulgent luxury romantic vacation, wine and dine themselves at lavish Phoolpatna restuarant, take part in the plethora of resort activities laid on both in and outside the resort, or just relax by the pool with nothing on your mind except your next treatment at the sumptuous Panchakarma treat.
This beautiful retreat, with its traditional Orissan architecture, neatly manglorian tiled roofs, secluded green courtyards and private gardens and open varendas is designed to blend into and enhance its natural setting, and offers a unique combination of timeless charm and elegant modernity.
For your conference and banqueting needs, Toshali sands offers a variety of customised event options and themed dinners that will surpass your expectations time and time again. The spacious conference facilities are equipped to accommodate up to 400 people, and when combined with the hotel’s inspiring surroundings and stunning panoramic views makes it an ideal venue for any event, large or small.
To make the guests’ stay at the resort more comfortable and enjoyable, Flat LCD TVs have been placed even in the bathrooms of all the villas and cottages. Interestingly, all villas also have separate powder rooms in their bathrooms. The micro processor controlled steam generators for steam and shower rooms ensure that the guests enjoy ultimate luxury and comforts.
As Toshali Sands is committed to be environment-friendly, now eco-friendly solar energy is being used at the resort to meet the resort’s energy requirements. What’s more: keeping in mind the special needs of the newly weds, Honeymoon Villas have been introduced at the resort that guarantee complete privacy to the honeymoon couples with all the luxuries for which the Toshali Sands is much famous for. Interestingly, glass walls separate the bathrooms from the bedrooms in the Honeymoon Villas.