Monday, April 21, 2014

4 Bangtao Beach Attractions for Travelers in a Hurry

It's easy to lose track of time during your stay at Allamanda Laguna Phuket. With the white beach bordered by the endlessly ebbing sapphire water on one side and the long line of posh accommodation in Phuket on another, one can't help but to sit back and let the moment sink in. Relaxation, however, is not the only thing you can do at the beach. The 6-km sandy stretch is also home to places of cultural significance and another beach removed from buzzing energy and luxury of Bangtao. Here are some of the most popular attractions you can visit without being far from the beach.

1. Canal Village
Check out the different products being sold in this area and find some souvenirs you can take back with you. Canal Village has everything from an art gallery to a bakery and silk factory. The village is inside the Laguna Phuket Resort Complex and has its own parking space near the entrance. Its stores are usually open from 10 am to 10 pm. Boutiques, tailors, jewelry stores, shoe salons, photo studios, and a briefcase shop are but a few of the things you can find here.

2. Cherng Talay Shrine
Cherng Talay Shrine in Sri Soonthorn Road is a change of scenery from the highrise accommodations lining the beach. Who would have thought that there's a quaint community hiding in a luxurious neighborhood? The shrine came into reality when a hairdresser in the village, Ju Pa Tuk, took home Taoist relics from China in 1901. Now, the shrine is the center of activity during Chinese New Year and Vegetarian Festival.

3. Cherng Talay Temple
Cherng Talay Temple has been serving as the center of spirituality in Bangtao and Cherng Talay for almost a century now. The temple was done in a Thai-Buddhist design where images of giant snakes depict Buddha's good works. For those who want to visit, it can be found on Sri Soonthorn Road and it is open everyday. The best time to go would be a little before nightfall, when the temple's pathways are illuminated by sculptures of mythical half-bird-half-human creatures.

4. Layan Beach
Found at the north end of Bangtao, Layan Beach is a quiet haven with lots of tall pine trees. Because few people stay in this part of the beach, you won't find a line of chairs and umbrellas here, and Layan looks exactly the way it did 20 years ago. Most of the beach's visitors are locals and expats staying in the nearby communities and hotels such as Allamanda Laguna Phuket.

Quick and Easy Booking at Dayang Bay Serviced Apartment & Resort's Website

Langkawi, Malaysia — Reserving a room directly through Dayang Bay Serviced Apartment & Resort's website will prove to be a seamless experience for its guests. The Langkawi resort's website was recently incorporated with a booking engine powered by DirectWithHotels, rendering the reservation a quick, easy, and straightforward process.

Benefits of Booking Online
Guests who book directly through the resort website, http://www.dayangbayresort-langkawi.com, can save a lot of time because the website uses a system, powered by DirectWithHotels, which sends out instant confirmation upon completion of the transaction. The system's no-frills process eliminates waiting and constant communication with third parties.
Second, VeriSign and Trustwave secure the privacy and integrity of all online transactions in the booking engine.
Third, the system offers a user-friendly interface that allows bookmarking and printing and features customizable currency for easier reference. These aspects allow guests to enjoy a smooth and intuitive reservation process.
Finally, guests who book online have the opportunity to cancel or modify their reservations without charge up to a certain day before their check-in date.

The Booking Process
Dayang Bay Serviced Apartment & Resort's rooms and suites units can reserved through http://www.dayangbayresort-langkawi.com. Guests should click the orange 'check availability and prices' link found on the left side of the page to get to the booking system. To finalize the process, guests will be asked to settle the required payment via credit card as reservation guarantee. After accomplishing these steps, they will receive a confirmation email with their accommodation and payment information.

About Dayang Bay Serviced Apartment & Resort's
Dayang Bay Serviced Apartment & Resort offers fresh and contemporary accommodations with complimentary services and facilities. Each spacious room has private toilet and bath, desk with lamp, cable TV, and telephone. The Langkawi accommodation also has facilities for leisure and business such as Dayang Cafe, outdoor pool, garden, family room, and executive floor. It also offers laundry service, Wi-Fi Internet access, safety deposit boxes, and parking. The resort is in Kuah, the main gateway for those arriving from Penang Island by boat, and is only a 15-minute drive to Langkawi International Airport.


Dayang Bay Serviced Apartment & Resort
Persiaran Pelangi, Kuah
Langkawi, Malaysia 0700

Phone Number:+604 9665515 / 9664515
Website: http://www.dayangbayresort-langkawi.com

About DirectWithHotels
DirectWithHotels is in the business of making selling online simple and more profitable for hotels. Since 2005, we’ve helped over 1000 Hotel Partners (and counting) in 50 countries worldwide increase their direct bookings online. We attract visitors and drive traffic direct to their hotel websites with tactical online marketing, convert these visitors into bookers with a top-performing booking engine, and manage increasing reservations with an easy-to-use web interface. All this at a fixed, performance-based fee of just 10% for every direct booking.

Curries, Spices, Tea, and the Many Wonders of Sri Lankan Cuisine

Beautiful beach resorts, such as Coral Rock by Amaya in Hikkaduwa, are not the only exciting thing to expect from Sri Lanka. There is also the mouthwatering food, marked with multicultural influences, that give rise to a flavorful cuisine unique to the country.

Its most obvious influence is India, the 2 countries a mere 30 km apart, and also the fact that the main ethnic groups in Sri Lanka originally came from India. A lot of Sri Lankan cuisine mimics South Indian food, particularly that of the state of Kerala. They add a lot of coconut milk in curries, liberally use seafood, and opt for hotter chilies. The most popular dish is rice and curry, too. But there are many variations, depending on who cooks it. But commonly, it is served with chicken or fish, chutney, sambol, or pappadoms.

Next to the Indians, the British also left a huge imprint on Sri Lankan cuisine, after it became a colony in 1802. Tea is popular here, the center being Nuwara Eliya, chosen for its good mix of altitude, terrain, and warm climate, all most conducive for growing tea.

Meanwhile, when it comes to cakes, Sri Lanka follows after the Dutch or Portuguese. Three of the staples include the love cake, breudher, and bolo fiado. The first is made from semolina, cashews, and honey. The flavor is further enhanced with the addition of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and rose water. Breudher, on the other hand, is a sultanas-studded Christmas butter and yeast cake. Finally, bolo fiado takes its form as a layer cake, made with pastry, dried fruit, and syrup. However, the most popular Dutch food celebrated in Sri Lanka today is not a cake, but a baked savory dish called lamprais. It is made from meat, vegetables, and rice, wrapped in a banana leaf, then slow cooked.

Lastly, there are the Muslims, also called Sri Lankan Moors. They are the descendants of Arab or Indian traders that brought with them delicious flat breads and samosas, desserts like the wattalappam, and Kitul syrup that is best served with curd, which is a kind of yogurt made from buffalo milk.

Make sure to sample these flavorful local food and get a taste of what is unique to the area the next time you stay in one of the many beautiful beach resorts in the country, such as Coral Rock by Amaya in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka.

Sunday, April 20, 2014

5 Leisurely Destinations Within 30 Minutes of Makassar in Sulawesi, Indonesia

It's easy to throw in shopping sprees between meetings and corporate affairs when you're staying at Continent Centrepoint Panakkukang in Makassar. The hotel, which is located in the centre of the city, is close to a number of commercial hubs that display everything from luxury brands to locally prepared panaceas. But if you're looking for a relaxing or educational vacation, Makassar will not disappoint. Here are some of the places you can check out.

1. Losari Beach
A 20-minute car ride from Continent Centrepoint Hotel in Makassar will take you to Losari Beach. The sandy stretch in the middle of the city offers a very nice view of the sunset. Food stalls can also be found in the area after dark.

2. Fort Rotterdam
This historical destination was put up during the Dutch colonial period in the 1670s. From 1700 to 1900, the fort served as a thriving trading post for the Dutch East India Company until it was integrated into a Dutch East Indies colony. World War II transformed the fort into a camp for Japanese war prisoners. Today's visitors can tour Fort Rotterdam's castle, museums, and book store. It is about 12 minutes by car from the hotel.

3. Pulau Khayangan
If you wish to get away from the city, you can visit this island which is just 20 minutes from the centre of Makassar by boat. Here, you can spend the day getting a tan, strolling the white sand beach, and seeing different sea creatures. Fishing can be done near the island's port and some establishments also rent out jet skis and other water sports equipment.

4. Pulau Samalona
You can also take a tropical holiday at Pulau Samalona. This beautiful island and the colourful reefs and diving spots that surround it are but a 30-minute boat ride from Makassar.

5. Trans Studio
This indoor theme park, which is just a 20-minute drive from the hotel, is said to be the third largest of its kind in the world. Aside from rides and games, visitors can also enjoy the malls, restaurants, and marina housed in this building.

Getting In and Around the City
There are 3 ways of getting around during your vacation. First is by becak, a minimalist cycle rickshaw. You can also ride the petepete or angkot, a minibus used for public transportation, or take a taxi. Since Makassar serves as southern Sulawesi's main port, you can use a traditional pinisi boat to get into the city. Alternatively, you can also take a plane to Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, which is just a 20-minute taxi ride from Continent Centrepoint Panakkukang - Makassar.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Get Instant Confirmation for Room Reservations at Langdale by Amaya

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka — An indulgent holiday in Nuwara Eliya is only a few clicks away on http://www.langdalebyamaya.lk/, the website of Langdale by Amaya. Using the direct-booking engine recently launched here, those planning to stay at this resort can instantly reserve a room for their holiday.

How to Book Direct
On the website, guests have to indicate their travel dates on the calendar widget, click the “Book now” button, then complete the short reservation process. As guarantee for instant confirmation, they will be asked to pay 10% of the total cost. Then, the guestroom will be instantly registered under their name, followed by a confirmation email reporting that they have successfully booked the room of their choice.

Benefits of Booking on the Website
Guests who use the direct-booking engine receive instant confirmation upon completion of the quick reservation process.
VeriSign and Trustwave secure the privacy and integrity of all online transactions made using the system.
The reservation engine can be bookmarked and printed, and features a currency converter.
Finally, guests who book online have the opportunity to cancel or modify their reservations without charge (7 days for cancellation, 14 days for modification).

About Langdale by Amaya
This luxury resort is located in Nuwara Eliya, which means “City of Light” in the local language, where you can revel in panoramic views of majestic waterfalls, misty peaks, and green valleys. At this picturesque hilltop retreat, families, friends, and couples can easily embark on an exciting tour of Horton Plains National Park, Hakgala Botanical Gardens, Queen Victoria Park, and other spectacular sights and destinations. At the resort, guests are greeted by colonial splendor as they make their way to their chosen accommodation. Aside from being provided with plenty of space to relax, each guest can also count on modern amenities that will make for a comfortable stay. Each room is complete with an LCD TV, coffee and tea facilities, electric heater, and Wi-Fi Internet connection. Also offered here is an array of facilities, including a spa, 16-seat restaurant, and the only heated outdoor pool in Nuwara Eliya.

For reservations and more information, simply visit http://www.langdalebyamaya.lk/.


Langdale by Amaya
Radalla, Nanu Oya,
Nuwara Eliya,
Sri Lanka

Phone Numbers: +94 114 767 888, +94 524 924 959


About DirectWithHotels
DirectWithHotels is in the business of making selling online simple and more profitable for hotels. Since 2005, we’ve helped over 1000 Hotel Partners (and counting) in 50 countries worldwide increase their direct bookings online. We attract visitors and drive traffic direct to their hotel websites with tactical online marketing, convert these visitors into bookers with a top-performing booking engine, and manage increasing reservations with an easy-to-use web interface. All this at a fixed, performance-based fee of just 10% for every direct booking.

9 Exciting 2014 Community Activities in Kempton Park, Johannesburg - Part 2

There are a lot of things in store for guests of The Aviator Hotel in Johannesburg this 2014. Kempton Park, situated in the same city as the Aviator Hotel, is hosting a number of interesting expos, informative conferences, and lively community activities. Here is the rest of the list for the latter part of the year:

6. Aquarium Expo
August (date TBA)
Whether you're looking for ways cut on your budget for your new aquarium or if you want tips on starting your own business, you're sure to find the right people and resources at this year's Aquarium Expo. The expo features new livestock, demonstrations and lectures by local and international speakers, and fantastic display tanks. The event is for adults and children who enjoy looking at different kinds of fishes and are interested in crafting the artificial environment that keeps these sea creatures alive.

7. SA International Scrapbook Convention
August (date TBA)
The International Scrapbook Convention is aiming for new heights on its 9th year. Scrapbook enthusiasts can look forward to 3 days of classes, snacks, and exchanging of ideas with people who share their passion for scrapbooking. There are only limited seats for classes so book your slot as early as possible.

8. Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Liberation Walk
October (date TBA)
Every year, South Africans gather for the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Liberation Walk to celebrate freedom, racial integration, and unity. The 2014 Walk will feature a 21 km run, 10 km walk, and 5 km walk. Finishers will receive medals and goodie bags, while winners will get complimentary foot massages. Oliver and Adelaide Tambo, whose foundation organizes the annual event, were heroes of the liberation struggle against apartheid in South Africa. The run and walks will benefit the Ludeke Primary School in the Eastern Cape by supporting the upkeep of the school's facilities and, in turn, the continued education of its 684 students.

9. SA Open Championships

November (date TBA)
First held in 1893, SA Open Championships is the oldest open championship in the world. This year, it will be hosted at Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate in Gauteng. The event is a feature in any golfing calendar and is a prominent fixture on both the European Tour and Sunshine Tour. Like most of the event venues in this list, the golf course where the open will be held is just a 15-minute drive from The Aviator Hotel OR Tambo's accommodation in Johannesburg.

Eat Your Way to 5 Delicious Destinations in Cartagena, Colombia

Aside from the classic architectures, colonial streets, and great accommodations found in San Diego and its neighboring areas, Cartagena, Colombia is also a great destination to taste delicious dishes. Here are 5 restaurants that offer tourists a superb dining experience this side of Latin America.

1. Only the Freshest Ingredients
Restaurante Don Juan creates tasteful food in a simple way: with only the freshest local ingredients. This has made its owner, Juan Felipe Camacho, one of the renowned chefs in Colombia. He handpicks the fruits, seafood, meat, and vegetables to ensure only the best quality dishes will be prepared. There is an abundance of choices in this Caribbean restaurant located in Cartagenas' Historical Center, which includes grilled octopus, chuletica lamb, felafel, and grilled salmon.

2. A Local Feast With Choice Wine
Located at the lobby of a Cartagena, Colombia boutique hotel, the stylish Karib Restaurant Bar pairs popular Colombian staples, such as bandeja paisa, posta negra, and ceviche with the greatest wines from around the world. This gustatory twist sets the restaurant apart from its neighbors along Calle Larga. The owner takes pride with the hearty recipes passed on by his grandmother and his sommelier training that have shaped one of the popular dining spots in Cartagena.

3. The Passion for Cocktails
When it comes to contemporary Peruvian specialties, La Perla Restaurant along Calle de Ayos is one of the first stops for most tourists. This establishment has been famed for its “tiraditos” or thin strips of fresh tuna cured in “tiger milk” or a Peruvian marinade. If that's not enough, there's also the mouthwatering sea bass ceviche and sirloin steak served with a Roquefort-laced sauce. What makes La Perla an even more popular choice is the variety of cocktails the owner has personally concocted like the Mojito Mango Biche and Martini La Perla.

4. Seafood With a Sea View
There's probably nothing more romantic than having dinner with a spectacular view of the sea, and Marea By Rausch boasts that experience. Its address at the Centro de Convenciones near a number of Cartagena hotels makes it perfect for executives in town for a corporate visit. The restaurant's signature seafood dish, the Mojarra Frita, is a well-executed version of the Cartagena staple. Another notable item is the seafood rice infused with turmeric.

5. Romance of Food and Music
For a laid back experience of food and music, tourists can drop by FM Restaurante. This former artist's studio has been transformed into a sophisticated dining destination and piano bar. Its owner, Francisco Montoya, has kept the simple and classy vibe by serving home-made Mediterranean dishes and inviting some friends to play classic pieces. The restaurant is just a stone throw away form accommodations around the San Diego area.

Falling in Love With the Chaos That Put Kuta on the Map

Travelers looking for hotel in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia have a unique experience in store. The area is frenzied, bold, and loud. If your idea of coming here circles on Zen amid serene rice fields, you are in the wrong side of town. Every day, it is a scene of organized chaos within Kuta's narrow lanes bursting with cafes and surf shops; the predominating sound: the roar of an infinite number of motorbikes and T-shirt vendors.

But underneath the chaos, there is rhyme and reason, an underlying charm that attracts hoards of tourists to the area time and time again. Simply, all the buzz resonates life and energy, a positive and electric spirit that lures people seeking pleasure and fun. Kuta is the way it is because it is alive and ready to show everyone a good time.

To sample this verve, here are some of the best spots to hit:

Kuta Beach
The beach that started it all, Kuta Beach remains one of the best reasons to come to Bali. The moment its waves and beauty got introduced to the world, there was no looking back. The long stretch of sand from Kuta to Echo Beach, the surf born far out in the Indian Ocean, and the welcoming sun and its tropical ambience, what else is there but perfection? Add foot massages, a selection of Bali accommodation, and a cold beer to that and leaving may be very difficult indeed.

Putri Bali
In the west, a good spa treatment costs an arm and a leg, becoming a strain on its own. Here in Putri Bali, prices are very competitive, and the cream bath alone is enough to send even the most stressed visitor to a catatonia of relaxation.

Kuta Night Market
What is a good place without good food? The Kuta Night Market is a collection of stalls serving hot-off-the-wok meals, with grilled and other fresh options. It is a place where the locals also go and that is always a great sign if one aims to taste the local flavor of a town. The plastic chairs may not be the classiest accessory of all but it adds to the authenticity of the entire thing.

These are but 3 attractions that tattooed Kuta on the traveler's map as a must-see destination. When coming out of a Bali, Indonesia hotel, make sure to visit other happening places such as Double Six Club and Waterbom Park to catch more fun and more life.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Peninsula Excelsior Hotel Becomes Top Choice in Singapore With New Website + Booking System

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Singapore – Peninsula Excelsior Hotel in Singapore provides travellers with yet another reason why it is a good accommodation to choose in the country. In addition to the excellent hospitality and amenities, guests can now make reservations right from its new website, which is equipped with a direct-booking system powered by DirectWithHotels.

Standing at the heart of the gleaming city-state, the twin towers of Peninsula Excelsior Hotel has 600 luxury rooms and suites that provide 4-star comfort at all times. Each is spacious, has a calming ambience, and painted with earth tones that create a relaxing atmosphere day and night. All guestrooms have an electronic key card, self-coded safe, cable TV, hair dryer, coffee maker, mini-bar, Wi-Fi Internet connection, and IDD phone with voicemail. There are also 2 swimming pools, a coffee shop, lounges, gym, sauna, business centre, function rooms, and tour desk.

Peninsula Excelsior Hotel is only 20 minutes from Changi International Airport and near major entertainment hubs, international offices, and transportation centers.

The hotel's new website with its efficient booking engine should greatly help guests get rooms easier with their benefits:

Fast and easy booking process
Just by logging on to http://www.peninsulaexcelsior.com.sg and clicking on the “Check availability and prices”, visitors can easily select travel dates, choose rooms, and confirm reservations by providing the required personal information and credit card details.

User-friendly interface
This website and the booking engine are both mobile-adaptive, which means guests can make arrangements using not only their laptop but also through their smartphones and tablets. It also has an up-to-date currency converter, bookmarking option, and print button for easier navigation and referencing.

Confirmation in an instant
After supplying the required information and credit card details, guests will receive an email reporting instant confirmation of the reservations.

Safety and security guaranteed
All transactions made using this channel is protected by Trustwave and VeriSign, 2 of the most trusted information security providers on the Internet.

To know more about this Singapore accommodation and to experience the efficient booking process, interested parties must go to http://www.peninsulaexcelsior.com.sg/.


Peninsula Excelsior Hotel
5 Coleman Street
Singapore 179805

Phone Number: (65) 6337 2200

DirectWithHotels is in the business of making selling online simple and more profitable for hotels. Since 2005, we’ve helped over 1000 Hotel Partners (and counting) in 50 countries worldwide increase their direct bookings online. We attract visitors and drive traffic direct to their hotel websites with tactical online marketing, convert these visitors into bookers with a top-performing booking engine, and manage increasing reservations with an easy-to-use web interface. All this at a fixed, performance-based fee of just 10% for every direct booking.