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India’s Climate | When to Travel | Where Not to Travel

By Ina Woolcott

The Climate

India’s climate encompasses a wide range of weather conditions across a vast geographic scale and varied topography, making it hard to generalise. India plays host to 6 major climatic subtypes, from arid desert in the west, alpine tundra and glaciers in the north, and humid tropical regions supporting rainforests in the southwest and the island territories, based on the Köppen system. Many regions have entirely different microclimates. There are 4 seasons - winter January and February; summer March to May; a monsoon (rainy) season June-September; and a post-monsoon period October to December.

India’s unique geography and geology heavily influence its climate. This is especially true of the Himalayas in the north and the Thar Desert in the northwest. The Himalayas obstruct to the extremely cold katabatic winds coming in that blows down from Central Asia. Hence, North India is kept warm or only mildly cooled during the winter season. In the summer months, the same phenomenon makes India pretty hot. Although the Tropic of Cancer, the boundary between the tropics and subtropics, runs through the middle of India, the entire country is considered to be tropical.

As is common throughout much of tropics, the monsoonal and other weather conditions in India are unstable - huge droughts, floods, earthquakes, cyclones and other natural disasters are infrequent, but have killed or displaced millions.

The climate is of major importance when deciding when to visit India. Bear in mind that there is a distinct difference in climatic conditions in the far north to those of the extreme south. Although there are of course 4 seasons, generally, India’s climate is defined by 3 seasons - the hot, the wet (monsoon) and the cool, each of which may differ in duration from north to south. The most pleasant time to visit most places is during the cooler period from November to roughly mid-February.

The Hot Season

The heat starts to gather on India’s northern plains from around February, by April or May it gets really hot, with the hottest time being June. Temperatures of 45°C and above are common in central India. During these months South India also becomes extremely hot, sometimes unbearably so! Late in May the first signs of the monsoon appear in some areas - high humidity,
electrical storms, short rainstorms and dust storms that turn the day as dark as night. The hot season is the time to leave the plains behind, heading for the cooler hills. This is when hill stations are at their best - and busiest!

The Monsoon Season

When the monsoon fully arrives, the rain falls steadily, usually starting the beginning of June in the extreme south, then spreading north to cover the whole country by early July.The main monsoon comes from the southwest, but the southeast coast - and
southern Kerala - are mainly affected by the short and astoundingly wet northeast monsoon, which brings rain from around October to early December. Things don’t really cool down though - hot, dry, dusty weather is merely replaced by hot, humid and muddy conditions. It doesn’t rain all day, but usually it does rain every day. Followed by the sun this makes for a
tiring steam room environment.

The Main Tourist Season

Sometime close to October the monsoon finishes for most of the country. This is when India receives most of its tourists - however, it is now too late to visit Ladakh. For this, May to October is the best period. During October and November it is generally neither too hot, nor too cold, although October can still be hot and/or humid in some areas.

Deep into the winter season, around mid-December to mid-January, Delhi and other northern cities can turn surprisingly cold, especially at night. In the far north it is freezing cold. In the far south the temperatures are comfortably warm over this time.

Festivals

It’s worth finding out the dates of particular festivals - you may be attracted or repelled by the chaos and over-pricedness of everything at these times. There are virtually no festivals during May and June. The wedding season is between November and March, when you’re likely to witness at least one lively procession through the streets.

Areas of Conflict

There are several Indian regions which are prone to occasional conflict. Jammu and Kashmir (as district from Ladakh) are subject to political violence and travellers should seek consular advice before entering any area bordering Pakistan in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Punjab.

Consular advice should also be sought before travelling to Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Manipur in northeast India is considered. Militant groups operate sporadically in some rural areas of Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Orissa.

It is advisable to check out the following website for more information on this:
Safe Travel

India’s Amazing Diversity

By Ina Woolcott

India’s amazing diversity offers you everything you could ever want in a holiday. From the moment that you set foot in India to be greeted by a graceful namaste, a gesture that denotes both welcome and respect, you are on the way to one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

Bounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and edged by a spectacular coastline surrounded by three seas, India is a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites and royal cities, golden beaches, misty mountain retreats, colourful people, rich cultures and festivities.

At any part of the year India can offer you a dazzling array of destinations and experiences. In summer, when the subcontinent is sizzling, there are spectacular retreats amidst the heady beauty of the Himalayas or the lush heights of the Western Ghats with cool trekking trails, tall peaks to conqueror stretches of white water for the adventure seekers.

In the cool of an Indian winter, cities come alive with cultural feasts of music and dance. The balmy weather is an ideal time for you to go century hopping in romantic cities studded with medieval forts and palaces. The sun-drenched beaches are inviting and wildlife sanctuaries with their abundance of flora and fauna are a buzz with the nurture of the young.

You can taste the delights of the Indian monsoon anywhere in the country on a camel safari in the Rajas than desert when nature comes alive and the peacocks dance; along the west coast where the relentless slant ingrain paints the countryside in brilliant greens or even trekking amidst the stark grandeur of mountain valleys lying in the rain shadow of the Himalayas.

Experience exotic India live like a maharaja in the rich ambiance of royal forts and palaces that are now heritage hotels; luxuriate in the serene beauty of a coral island with its turquoise lagoon; participate in the exuberance of a village fair or a colourful festival; day dream on a house boat drifting down the palm - fringed backwaters; delight in the grace of a dancer or shop till you drop - buying exquisite silks, carved figurines, brass and silver ware, marble inlaid with semi-precious stones, finely crafted jewellery, miniature paintings, carpets ….at unbelievable prices.

India, always warm and inviting, is a place of infinite variety - one that favours you with a different facet of its fascination every time you come on a visit.

INDIA

Related link:
India, Geography, States and Union Territories

TRAVEL ADVICE:
India‘s Climate | When to Travel | Where Not to Travel

India, Geography, States and Union Territories

By Ina Woolcott

The Republic of India is more commonly known as India. It is a sovereign country in South Asia. It is the seventh largest country in the world by geographical area, as well as the 2nd highest populated country, and the most populous liberal democracy in the world.

Surrounded by the Indian Ocean on the south, the Arabian Sea on the west, and the Bay of Bengal on the east, India has a coastline of over 7000 kilometres. It borders Pakistan to the west; Nepal, China and Bhutan to the north-east; and Myanmar and Bangladesh to the east. In the Indian Ocean, India is near the Maldives, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

Home to the Indus Valley civilization (c. 3300-1700 BC, flourished 2600-1900 BCE), as well as a region of historic trade routes and vast empires, the Indian subcontinent was associated with its commercial and cultural wealth for a lot of its long history.

4 major world religions, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism have their routes here. Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Zoroastrianism arrived in the first millennium CE and formed the region’s diverse culture. Gradually annexed by the British East India Company from the early 1700’s and colonised by Great Britain from the mid 1800’s, India changed into a modern nation-state in 1947, after a struggle for independence that was distinguished by widespread use of non-violent resistance as a means of
social protest.

With the world’s 12th largest economy by exchange rates and the 4th largest in buying power, India has made fast economic progress in the last 10 years. Although India’s standard of living is projected to ascend sharply in the next half-century, it currently battles high levels of poverty, persistent malnutrition, illiteracy and environmental degradation. A pluralistic, multi-lingual, multi-ethnic culture, India also boasts a diversity of wildlife in a variety of protected habitats.

Geography

India makes up the major portion of the Indian subcontinent, which sits on top the Indian Plate and the north-westerly portion of the Indo-Australian Plate. India’s north and north-eastern states are to a degree located in theHimalayan Range. The rest of northern, eastern and central India comprises of the fertile Indo-Gangetic Plain. In the west, bordering south-eastern Pakistan, the Thar Desert is located.Southern India is almost entirely composed of the peninsular Deccan plateau, which has 2 hilly coastal ranges on either side, the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats.

India has several major rivers, including the Ganges, the Yamuna, the Brahmaputra, the Godavari, the Narmada, the Kaveri and the Krishna. India has three archipelagos (a large group of islands) - Lakshadweep, which lies off the south-western coast; the Sunderbans in the Ganges Delta of West Bengal and the volcanic Andaman and Nicobar Islands island chain to the
south-east.

The climate of India varies greatly - tropical in the south to more temperate in the Himalayan north, where higher regions receive continuous winter snowfall. India’s climate is heavily influenced by the Himalayas and the Thar Desert. The Himalayas, together with the Hindu Kush Mountains, stop cold Central Asian katabatic winds from blowing in. This keeps the greater portion of the Indian subcontinent warmer than most locations at similar latitudes. The Thar Desert is accountable for attracting the moisture-laden summer monsoon winds that, between June and September, are responsible for most of India’s rainfall.

The Administrative Divisions of India

India is a union of 28 states and 7 federally governed union territories. All states, as well as the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the union territory of Puducherry, have elected governments. The other 5 union territories have centrally designated administrators.

The States

1 - Andhra Pradesh
2 - Arunachal Pradesh
3 - Assam
4 - Bihar
5 - Chhattisgarh
6 - Goa
7 - Gujarat
8 - Haryana
9 - Himachal Pradesh
10 - Jammu and Kashmir
11 - Jharkhand
12 - Karnataka
13 - Kerala
14 - Madhya Pradesh
15 - Maharashtra
16 - Manipur
17 - Meghalaya
18 - Mizoram
19 - Nagaland
20 - Orissa
21 - Punjab
22 - Rajasthan
23 - Sikkim
24 - Tamil Nadu
25 - Tripura
26 - Uttar Pradesh
27 - Uttarakhand
28 - West Bengal

The Union Territories

1 - Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2 - Chandigarh
3 - Dadra and Nagar Haveli
4 - Daman and Diu
5 - Lakshadweep
6 - National Capital Territory of Delhi
7 - Puducherry

Both the states and union territories are subdivided into districts. In the larger states, districts are sometimes grouped together to form a division.

Please read related link and watch the Video: India’s Amazing Diversity

TRAVEL ADVICE:
India‘s Climate | When to Travel | Where Not to Travel

Skiing, Snowboarding in Furano, Central Hokkaido, Japan

By Viola Woolcott

Each year when winter comes to Hokkaido, it brings with it some of the finest whitest snow in the world, as well as incredible winter festivals and fun activities. Each morning friendly locals look for visitors to show around, just to ensure that they enjoy Furano to the max. A great opportunity to make a new friend and find out more about this town and local culture. Amazing blue skies and beautiful mountains surround Furano. There is an active volcano only 30 miles away.

Watch the skiiers and snowboarders with graceful ease and expertise descend down the mountain in awe, spraying diamond like snow in their wake. Wonder, why am I here, and not there?!? You can also go dog sledding, tubing and x-country skiing, snowmobile-ing and snow rafting. There is no off piste skiing. Furano has a cable car (Furano Ropeway) capable of transporting 101 people. The ski area has 10 lifts.

Relax in Ryounkaku Onsen (Hot Spring). Visit Ninguru Terrace (Arts and Crafts Village). Here there are handmade crafts for sale. Visit the Goto Sumio Museum. Wine and dine in Sohs Bar for Miserable Smokers. Or at the top of Furano sit in the glass window in the New Furano Prince Hotel Cocktail Bar, drinking cocktails and eating wonderfully presented dishes, some of them Japanese style. In downtown Furano, there are over 200 bars and restaurants to choose from. So take your pick!

Skiing & Snowboarding in Furano, Japan

(Don’t be put off by the look of the food

Egypt | Sharm El Sheikh, Divers Paradise | All Year Round Resort

By Viola Woolcott

Are you looking for something a little different? Have you ever been to Egypt? If you haven’t, and with the wet weather continuing in the UK, why not take a trip out there and discover the gift of some guaranteed sunshine with 8 hours of sun in the winter and a massive12 hours throughout the day in summer. That makes Sharm El Sheikh a fantastic all year round destination and the perfect location for the beach, diving for the once who enjoy it, or just to relax and pamper yourself. To keep the more adventurous entertained, there are plenty of activities as well as awesome beaches. Sharm can be as lazy or as hectic as you please and is also a great base for sightseeing. How about a trip to the historic city of Cairo? Visiting the breath taking Pyramids is a MUST!

Sharm El Sheikh consists of three main holiday resorts:

Na’ama Bay, which means “pleasant” in Hebrew is the main resort and is best known as the heart of Sharm El Sheikh. Here is where most, nice hotels are located. Plenty of the hotels and dive centres overlook the sandy, shelved beach. And you find shops, cafés, bars and restaurants behind the promenade.

The hotels include several Hiltons, Sonesta Hotels, a Marriott, the Movenpick, and the “less” expensive Ghazala. Nearer to the airport, just a little up the coast, you can find some of the “newer”, exclusive hotels which include the Four Seasons, Hyatt, Intercontinental, another Hilton, Sheraton, Movenpick Golf Hotel, and others such as the Holiday Inn. There are also a number of other hotels available which are a little scattered about. They include the Ritz Carlton and the Hilton Waterfalls. They are more to the south of Na’ama Bay and nearer to downtown. There are also a great number of other fine hotels that are not part of any major chains, as well as more affordable once, some of them are private and some chain, for example, the Days Inn.

Ras Um Sid is located next to the local lighthouse and situated at the cliff top area that joins Naama Bay and the bay of Sharm El Maya. Ras Um Sid has a nice, but small beach that often becomes one of the most crowded of all at Sharm El Sheikh. If you are a fan of corals, the reef of the beach is really good and there are also an innumerable variations of fish.

Ras Um Sid is named for the head or cape - “ras” in Arabic - which sticks out the sea. It is quite central and located 7km (4.3 miles) south of Na’ama Bay and borders on Sharm El Sheikh.

Sharm El Maya (Moya) is the name that has been given to the bay area old town of Sharm El Sheikh. It is not large, but there is a various number of restaurants and nightspots. Places like the Hard Rock Café and a good number of well known food chains.

The bay is a picturesque, natural harbour and home to many small boats. Here you can also find the fishing and diving boat jetty.

There is an abundance of palm trees by the excellent sandy beach providing natural shade for the sun loungers. It is an ideal place for those who like to spend their holidays relaxing and yet still have access to the nearby action if they choose to.

You will find bazaars, banks, as well as one of the three hospitals located in the area and also a number of other facilities. The bazaar is great for those holiday bargains - far cheaper than Na’ama.

Sharm El Sheikh really is the holiday destination with something for everyone!

For those who are interested in Holiday - Apartment Lettings:
Holiday Lettings

Beaches of Pontal, Nova Brasilia, Morro de Pernambuco | Ilheus, Bahia, Brazil

By Ina Woolcott

The Pontal region doesn’t really have any beaches, just a few areas of dark mud when the tide is low. The only ‘beach’ here is actually situated next door to Pontal, in Nova Brasilia. The locals call it “Prainha” - meaning ‘little beach’ due to its small size. The Praia do Sul also begins in Nova Brasilia. Morro de Pernambuco features small beaches, astonishingly beautiful. At low tide, Praia da Concha is a small portion of paradise.

* Prainha - Pontal / Nova Brasilia, 2km - located next to the Morro de Pernambuco with an attractive view of Ilhéus on the other side of the Rio Cachoeira river. The location of Prainha is very pretty. Featuring a few small bars, a restaurant and a hamburger cabana nearby makes one wonder why this little beach is not as popular with locals as it should be, although this is probably due to the lack of clean water and space on the beach.

* Praia da Concha - Morro de Pernambuco, 2km - a little piece of paradise tucked away from view behind the rocky hills of the Morro de Pernambuco. by far the smallest beach at about 100metres in length. A well known beauty spot by the local but less known to tourists, It is surrounded by native vegetation and coconut trees. From here visitors have good views of the Pontal and Avenida Beaches. A good spot for swimming.The Morro may not appear attractive at first , but don’t let that fool you. The side of the mountain that is out of view definitely deserves your attention. Walk up the hill to the lighthouse and enjoy the view!

* Urubu - Start of Praia do Sul, 2 km - here are only reefs and small stretches of sand from here to the Opaba Hotel a little further to the south. This beach is hardly ever visited by the locals. It is only used as an entrance to the Praia da Concha. Along the beach there is a small shanty town which makes this area of the Praia do Sul rather unattractive, although the inhabitants are friendly people.

More beautiful beaches of Ilheus:
The Beaches of Ilhéus, Bahia in Brazil

More about Ilheus:
Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil | Sightseeing, Attractions and Leisure Activities

Kempinski Hotel Moika 22, Nevsky Project, St. Petersburg, Russia

By Viola Woolcott

The Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 is one of the world famous hotel chain Kempinski and is conveniently located at the very heart of historical St. Petersburg. It enjoys a spectacular location just off Palace Square. It also benefits excellent views onto the Winter Palace as well as the Moika river and is not very far from the famous Hermitage Museum. Being a world class luxury hotel, it matches the beauty of its environment with extravagant rooms, extremely high standard of service as well as offering a full range of facilities.

After extensive renovation the Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 opened in the summer of 2005. The original building dating back to 1853 was designed by the Dutch architect Basil von Witte. Due to the skills of the restorers, the classical façade of the building has kept its old-fashioned stylish elegance. The interior has been completely reconstructed and to provide the ultimate in hotel accommodation, it has been decorated with attractive antiques of the period.

St. Petersburg main avenue ‘Nevsky Project’ is one of the best known streets in Russia and is just two minutes away from the Kempinski, which is ideally situated to all major sights, main attractions as well as shopping areas.

acedev

The hotel has 197 beautifully designed rooms with all mod-cons, and service second to none which include:

=> 23 suites and 174 rooms
=> Heated bathroom floors
=> The Beau Rivage restaurant, for fine dining
=> The Von Witte lounge and bar, with a log fireplace
=> The Bellevue bar on the 9th floor, with impressive views over the St Petersburg skyline
=> The Tea Room, with views onto Palace Square
=> Wine Cellar 1853 offers a relaxes atmosphere and selection of superb wines, champagnes and candle-lighting
=> 2 Meeting and Banqueting Rooms, for up to 400 guests
=> Business centre
=> Sauna, Steam room, Jacuzzi and Massage in the rooftop relaxation centre
=> Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service
=> Interactive LCD TV
=> High-speed internet access and telephone line
=> Mini-bar
=> 24-hour room service
=> Visa support and registration
=> Concierge service, for tours and excursions to the city’s many famous museums and palaces, and tickets to the opera, theatre, ballet and concert performances.

The Kempinski Moika 22 Hotel is only 30 minutes away from Pulkovo Airport.

Related Links:
Saint Petersburg, Hotel Kempinski Moika 22

Kempinski Hotel Moika 22, St. Petersburg

Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil | Sightseeing, Attractions and Leisure Activities

By Ina Woolcott

Of course, there is lots of shopping to be done with wonderful unique gifts and souvenirs to be found. You can hang out in the bars, restaurants and squares. As well as taking in the history and culture whilst walking the streets of Ilheus, some of the sightseeing, attractions and leisure activities to be found are listed below.

“Lagoa Encantada” (charmed pond) - this is a 14km2 large body of water, closed in by Atlantic rainforests, flotation islands, waterfalls, fishermen villages as well as a variety of animal species. Near the pond is also “Caldeiras do Amada” (Amada’s Kettles), which forms several waterfalls.

“Rio do Engenho” (River of the Mill) - the village of River of the Mill, is situated near a beautiful rapid and is reachable by boat amid the mangroves.

“Eco-parque de Una” (Una’s Eco-park) - boasts a suspended catwalk amid the trees, over 20metres high. This is a unique structure in brazil giving the opportunity to marvel at the beauty, serenity and colourful Atlantic forest. On the walk if you are lucky it is possible to see first hand species close to extinction.

“Estrada Parque Ilhéus - Itacaré” (Ilhéus - Itacaré Highway Park) - this is the first really ecological highway of Brazil and also one of the most beautiful. 70 km long, it borders the coast, with unequalled features such as semi-wild beaches, waterfalls, observatories, suspended catwalks and tunnels for the wild animals.

“Centro de Recuperação do Bicho-Preguiça”(Sloth Recovery Centre) - this centre is located in a stunning forest area and its goal is to recover and re-introduce the sloth’s into their natural environment - the Atlantic forest.

“Igreja Matriz de São Jorge dos Ilhéus” (São Jorge of the Islanders Mother Church) - this is the oldest church in the city and is situated on the Street Conselheiro Dantas. It officially opened for ceremonies in 1556, and was built with stones.

“Museu do Cacau” (Cocoa museum) - situated on Eustaquio Bastos Street downtown. The museum was founded in 1982 and gives detailed vision of from the rising to the development of the cocoa cycle.

“Casa de Jorge Amado” (the home of Jorge Amado) - situated on 21 Jorge Amado Street. The house was built at the beginning of the 20th Century by J Amado’s Dad. It boasts great rooms and staircases. This is where the renowned author lived for some of his life.

“Fazenda Primavera” (Farm Spring) - a cocoa farm open to visitors, situated on the Ilhéus-Itabuna Highway on kilometre 20. To be beheld is a documentation collection and centennial pieces. Some of these dating back to the time of the Empire.

“Centro de Perquisas do Cacau” (Cocoa Research Centre) - also situated on the Ilheus-Itabuna highway, offering visitors the chance to accompany the techniques and processes of the cocoa.

“Mirante da Piedad” (Observatory of Mercy) - from here it is possible to view the islets, the reason for city’s name. The port, part of the coast of the urban district, and the mouth of the rivers ‘Fundao’, ‘Engenho’ and ‘Cachoeira’.

You can also visit a cocoa farm - most farms are as they were 100 years ago, with barracks, stables and drying house. Witness how cocoa is harvested, processed and transported in half ton lots by dug out canoes. The rainforest gives the cocoa tree the shade and protection it requires and also offers a rich variety of flora and fauna.

Surf Camp - There are hundreds of surfing classes that can teach you the basics, like how to stand on a board or ride a wave, but only a few camps will teach you to actually be a surfer. EasyDrop Surf Camp, in Itacaré, Brazil, is one of them. During its six-day beginner’s program, parents and kids learn not only how to get up on a board, but also how to paddle, turn, even wipe out like seasoned pros. The school is located in eastern Brazil’s Bahia region, where the rainforest-a UNESCO-protected World Heritage site-runs right down to the green-blue waters of the Atlantic.

Check out the link:
Surf Camp Guide

Orbita excursions - as the name suggests this group organises excursions from Ilhéus. They offer a big large selection of personalized adventure trips, with qualified guides. Partake in activities such as canoeing, eco parks, bike rides, rafting, jeep tours, trekking through the Atlantic rainforests, historical tours or cultural trips, diving, horse riding, tree top walking, stunning beach visits, extreme sports such as tirolesa and rapel in waterfalls. A trip takes you to the breathtaking Peninsula Maraú in a 4×4 Land rover, where you can go coral snorkelling.

Visit their gorgeous website for more information:
Orbita Expedicoes

Related links:
The Beaches of Ilhéus, Bahia in Brazil
Beaches of Pontal, Nova Brasilia, Morro de Pernambuco | Ilheus, Bahia, Brazil

Pimalai Resort and Spa, Thailand

By Ina Woolcott

Serenity…Peace…Solitude… these are just some of the words that come to mind for Pimalai. Throw in luxury, elegance, nature and genuine friendly service and you have an offer that is hard to resist. Be it for a honeymoon, a diving experience, a get away from every day life or even for a business meeting.

There are 150 islands that surround Krabi, creating a maritime playground like no other, and their palm fringed beaches, waterfalls, caves, reefs, strange rock pillars and caves have featured in many blockbuster movies. This favoured location is like a honey pot to a bee for sub-aqua enthusiasts and seaborne adventurers. The transparent clearness of the Andaman Sea makes this pure paradise - words can’t stress this enough!

One of the pure, unspoiled islands is Koh Lanta Yai, which is a sanctuary for Pimalai Resort and Spa, nestled in the lush tropical rainforest as it meets the pristine beach. On offer are subtle 5* comforts, natural beauty, being removed from the crowds, and no noise except the sound of the waves. The resort is well tucked away, built amongst 100 acres of tropical vegetation, with direct access to a 900-metre stretch of beach. The contrast between the buildings spaced apart and the luxuriant embrace of nature is
inspiring.

There are 121 types of accommodation - rooms, suites, beach villas and pool villas - all very elegantly designed. There are 3 restaurants serving a large choice in cuisine. There are activities available to the restless traveller to introduce you to the area. For those of you who just want to chill out there is an infinity-edge pool. However, for the ultimate escape, the spa offers a range of Thai-based therapies. One of the places on earth that deserves the title of Eden!

To get there by road from Krabi, Phuket or Trang airports can be arranged by the resort, consisting of a 50minute drive from Krabi Airport, 1hr 30min from Trang Airport and 3hour drive from Phuket Airport. This takes you to Bahuahin pier where next to the public pier; the resort maintains a private jetty and convenience station.

FACILITIES

-> Spa
-> Infinity-edge pool
-> Fitness
-> Water sports
-> Sea Canoeing
-> PADI diving centre
-> Gallery
-> Shop

ATTRACTIONS

-> Koh Haa
-> Elephant Trekking
-> Bicycles
-> National Marine Park
-> Snorkelling excursions to Koh Rok
-> Thai cooking classes

Related link:
Pimalai – Resort & Spa

Interesting reading material:
Thailand’s Islands and Beaches (Lonely Planet Country Guide)
Thailand (Lonely Planet Country Guide)
The Rough Guide to Thailand (Rough Guide Travel Guides)

Soneva Gili | Resort and Spa in the Maldives

By Ina Woolcott

The perfect place to come to restore body, mind and soul and to bring harmony and balance back into your life. A tranquil, unspoilt island of the Maldives - Robinson Crusoe would have fallen in love with it! Indulgent luxury and a whole team of Man Fridays. The Six Senses Spa offers everything expected as well as unexpected - glass floor panels beneath massage tables bring the sensual experience to a new high, whilst a Maldivian sand massage is yet another new encounter.

This is a small coral island floating in a crystal clear, serene lagoon. The resort is a unique design made from natural materials and suspended over the water on wooden stilts where you can watch the tropical fish swimming in the lagoon.

The resort claims to be ‘elegance on water’ - and rightly so! This is no overstatement and fully justifiable, fancifully and imaginatively portrayed by the 44 stilted suites and residences, bar/restaurant and Six Senses Spa. The suites and residences are well spread out for privacy along wooden jetties. The roomy villas boast roof top and over water sundecks, a striking open-air bathroom, lavish day beds, satellite TV, hi-fi as well facilities to prepare ones own romantic moonlit dinner.

For ultimate privacy, the 7 Crusoe Residences are only reachable by boat.

The resort is just a quarter hour by speedboat from Male International
Airport.

FACILITIES

-> Swimming pool
-> Six Senses Spa
-> Scuba Diving School
-> Snorkelling
-> Water Sports
-> Gym
-> Tennis

ATTRACTIONS

-> The Maldive Islands
-> Fishing Excursions
-> Diving Excursions
-> Fishing Villages
-> Sunset Cruises

Related link:
Soneva Gili & Spa, Maldives

Relaxing Spa Music:
Spa Music Resort

Related reading:
Maldives (Lonely Planet Country Guide)
Resorts of Maldives (Guidebook Format)
Maldives (Globetrotter Travel Guide)