Top Sea and Beach Things to do in Mauritius

The only problem with trying to write a 'Top sea and beach things to do in Mauritius' list is that it is simply one set of superlatives after another.

This little island in the Indian Ocean is paradise for everyone who has ever dreamed of a relaxing beach holiday.  Not that you will get much lazing-around-on-the-beach time, if you work your way through this list of how to enjoy every second of those clear, lagoon-protected waters.

And that is an important point to bear in mind.  The island is protected by an almost totally encircling reef, which means that the waters within it are (largely) calm and peaceful, and of the most iridescent turquoise.

Outside the reef, the waters are choppier, so for divers, fishermen and sailors: always seek local advice before venturing beyond the reef.  You will need to navigate your way through the narrow passes in the rocks to get out into the open sea, so don’t attempt it on your own.  Use a local boatman, fisherman or dive master to guide you through the rocks and shallows.

So, what can you do, to while away the hours by the sea?  We’ll take swimming as a given, and move onto the rest of the list:

Diving

Although the reef has been damaged – quite badly in some parts – there is still a lot to enthrall even experienced scuba divers.  There are many species of reef fish, and in abundance.  There are fun deep dives down to volcanic rocks at Whale Rock, and, a personal favorite, a great shipwreck to dive, the 'Stella Maru'.

Fishing

From sitting fishing on a rock just off the beach with a rod and bait, to deep-sea, hard-core marlin fishing, Mauritius has it all.  Deep-sea fishing is well-organized, from professionally-run bases in Grand Baie, in the north of the island, or at Black River, down in the south.

Undersea walk

Even if you can’t swim let alone scuba-dive, worry not: you can see the coral and the marine life on the reef by walking under the sea.  Literally.  You are attached to a boat by your breathing apparatus, which you place on your head, and then you walk on the sand and rocks.  Clearly you don’t go very deep, but there are masses of pretty reef fish even at three meters, and they crowd 'round you, waiting to be fed with slices of bread that the boatman will give you.

Snorkeling

As long as you can swim, you can snorkel.  Swim slowly over the reefs and the rocks, watching the hectic activity below you. Be warned, though. Snorkeling may well lead to scuba-diving.  Once you have seen the beauty of the reefs, you will be hooked for life.  Guaranteed.

Sailing

With the relatively placid waters of the lagoon on offer at most of the island’s hotels, taking out a boat or a dinghy or a pirogue (the local wooden fishing boat) is a perfect way to enjoy the sea.  Wear your life jacket, though, always.

Kite surfing

Most hotels will organize this for you, or point you in the right direction of a local club.

Surfing

Head down to Flic-en-Flac and chill with the island’s surfer dudes, who rate the waters down on this pretty south-east coast as some of the region’s best.

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A Most Wildlife in South Africa

Going on a game drive in the South African bush is an unforgettable experience. 

Although most wildlife in South Africa is found within the boundaries of vast National Parks, wildlife reserves and private game farms, that by no way implies they are kept in a glorified zoo.  

Hundreds of kilometers of wilderness, sometimes with drivable roads, but often-times just rough dirt tracks only suitable for 4x4 vehicles, means that most of the time the animals have the upper hand in the viewing stakes.  They live their lives deep in the forest, venturing out of the protective tree cover to go to the water holes, and it is a question of good luck and perseverance that we humans are able to see them at all. 

How to prepare 

1) The first thing to avoid is the mind-set that a trip to the bush is only 'successful' if you see something spectacular like a lion, leopard, or cheetah.  Obviously these are the prizes, and there is always a frisson of excitement when a big cat is sighted, but every game drive brings its rewards. Every game drive is special.  

2) Invest in a basic wildlife reference book, especially for birds, because once you have identified the 'obvious' birds like ostriches and hornbills, secretary birds and vultures, you will almost certainly find yourself becoming addicted to the smaller ones that become increasingly difficult to ID.  These are affectionately called 'LBJs' or Little Brown Jobs, referring to the myriad tiny birds that are always to be found in the bush. 

3) Since we humans are trying to see wildlife on their terms not ours, the first rule of going to the bush is to follow nature's timing, which means up bright and early in the morning, often before sunrise.  Once the sun is up and the day is hot, the animals retreat into the shade, which makes sightings obviously that much more difficult.  On safari, early to bed and early rise is the rhythm to adopt. 

What to expect

So what is the routine like on a trip to the bush? If you are staying in a lodge or a hotel (like Protea Kruger Gate) they organize your game drives for you.  You will be woken up in the pre-dawn darkness, with a cup of tea or coffee and a plate of rusks, one of South Africa's great bush food traditions.  You pile into the game viewing vehicle, remembering that if it is the winter, you will need warm clothes, a woolly hat and gloves, which you will then shed layer by layer as the sun rises and the day hots up into another glorious African winter day. 

The game rangers who take you out on your game drives are informative, knowledgeable, and want only for you to share their unbridled enthusiasm for the bush.  Usually, you are a small group in an open-topped Land Rover. The ranger normally drives you, and there is often a tracker – usually a local villager – who reads the jungle’s overnight news in the dust.  He spots paw prints and spoor, a tell-tale broken twig or branch, which helps you locate which wildlife has moved through and where they were headed. 

A voyeur's game

When you spot animals or birds, the vehicle stops and you sit in silence, watching nature at work or at play.  You look through your binoculars, you film, you take your photographs, and you listen while the ranger tells you in a low voice more about the birds or animals you are watching. 

Plains game are relatively easy to see – herds of antelope, wildebeest and zebra, whilst giraffe are usually in smaller groups.  Elephants, buffalo, the iconic cats, rhino, and hippo by the rivers – and then the smaller residents such as meerkats, wild boar, hyenas, jackal – the possibilities are endless.  However many game drives you do, the thrill of sitting quietly watching a herd of elephants wander by, or watching meerkats play in the evening sun, never stops. 

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After a couple of hours, you stop for morning tea, and yet more snacks, and then by the late morning, it is time to head back to the lodge for – yes, you've guessed it – more food. After brunch or lunch, everyone has a few hours' rest, time to write up your safari diary, dump your photos, swim or have a quick snooze, until it is time to head out for the evening game drive. 

The animals who have also snoozed the day away wake up in the cool of the late afternoon and busy themselves with feeding before settling down for the night. 

As the sun sets quickly over the African bush, you stop for one of the most iconic moments in African bush life – the sundowner. Your ranger will carefully choose a scenic spot where it is safe to get out of the vehicle: as you sip your glass of white wine and watch the sun set over the thorn trees and the Bushveld, there really is little to beat that moment.  

Another perfect day in Africa.

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A Wonderful Experience in the Forest by Wangz

We chose Forest By Wangz as our earlier booking in another hotel had issues and had to be cancelled in the last minute. Since we did not have time, we simply chose the top rated hotel by TripAdvisor - Forest By Wangz - and we were not disappointed!

The staff in this cozy, modern place is absolutely wonderful and make it all worthwhile - we landed up at the hotel by 7 AM very tired (after a 5 hour wait at the old KL airport) and we were welcomed to our room though we were 7 hours early of the check-in time! (please do not expect for this to be the norm - that will be a huge disservice to the staff at Forest).

The studio room was small - in fact, a bit cramped (about 300 sft) - but had everything there. A kitchen with 2 burners, a microwave oven, a toaster and several types of vessels and cutlery - all of top quality and excellent condition. The music system was a nice addition and we used it quite a bit. The king size bed was comfortable. There was an additional sofa as well. We had free Wifi, free local phone calls and free breakfast for all four of us.

We have two boys - one who is 12 years old (grouped as adult in Singapore hotels). Most hotels we had contacted earlier had issues in allowing the four of us to stay in one room - they either wanted us to take up a 1-bedroom unit and purchase an additional bed or take up two separate rooms. However, at Forest, they left this entirely up to us, which was great!

The breakfast was absolutely fantastic -the spread was great and the staff cooked a variety of egg-based items, pancakes, waffles and hash-browns. The breakfast area was very nice and the whole experience, perfect.

The roof top lounge along with the garden is extremely relaxing with some lovely furniture and the city views. The swimming pool looked inviting, but we did not have the time to enjoy it.

The location is fantastic being very close to the MRT, shopping district and the city center.

But what tops the experience is the exceptional service and the genuine warmth of the staff. They were always available and helpful.

Two aspects that tourists to Singapore may be concerned about:
- being a service apartment, there is a minimal stay requirement of 7 days
- the cost is close to that of several glitzy, high end hotels. As tourists, if the prices are comparable, there may be a temptation to stay in large, grand hotels than in a smaller place such as Forest

Having said that, ultimately, as tourists, we would also like to come back to a cozy place with friendly staff and a comfortable room. The fact that the building is large or has a grander reception area should not really matter. It did not matter to us!

We would definitely go back to Forest.

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The Fullerton Bay Hotel - Great Location and Great Hotel

I've always preferred boutique hotels and Fullerton Bay is probably my favorite in its range. Although less quaint than the usual hotel I usually choose, as a Singaporean I appreciate that the decor narrates the history of Singapore beautifully. I was really quite happy to be walking around the grounds. Stayed 4 night and had most of our client drinks at the hotel bar, Lunar. 

Location was perfect for business meetings and getting around town. The concierge was very helping in getting taxis for us. 

Check in took over an hour, due to some issues with the room. While we were given complimentary drinks at the lobby, it was a bit of a pain as we needed to have a conference call by 4pm and we to check in around 2pm to have time to prep. 

It turned out that even after the wait there was still some problems with the plumbing in the room and the shower head fell on me. It was an otherwise lovely room with great space and view of the bay. I liked the furnishing in the room as well and it had perfect amenities. Then again, put me anywhere with a big clean bathtub (and a tv in front of it) and I would generally be happy.

Privacy in the hotel seemed really good. There was a wedding going on one of the evenings and the newlyweds had a room along our corridor, but I heard nothing, apart from seeing a number of guests downstairs and a wedding party trying to access the rooms. The hotel grounds has good space. 

Breakfast spread was satisfying with a good mix of continental and local fare without being overly extravagant. Room service was prompt and delicious as well. I especially recommend the chocolate pillows, but remember to order them before 11pm. 

Service was inconsistent though. While we generally had very patient and attentive hotel staff members taking care with us, there were a few incidents that surprised me. Lunar mixed up my reservation for 6 guests and gave me a table for 4. We were fine with that, but it took more than 10 minutes for extra chairs to be brought, and my party was left standing around the otherwise seated area. Service was very iffy that night. We called the reception the next day and gave feedback but were instead told "what do you want? free drinks? free lunch?" .... Let me first make clear that we had made no suggestions or indication that we needed anything at all for free, neither did we have further plans to dine at the hotel as it was going to be our last night. I was appalled and insulted. Does one honestly think that people would stay at the Fullerton Bay and be asking for freebies? We asked to be transferred to the manager who offered to come to the room to speak with us. I think that most of the staff at the hotel allow it to live up to its 5 stars but the inconsistency at this level is memorable. For this, I have very mixed feelings about the hotel, but based on location, room, view and general comfort/ease of stay it is likely that I will return for my next business trip. The other boutique hotel I love, the New Majestic Hotel, is less easily accessible.

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The Principality of Monaco

On the sun-kissed southern coast of France sits the world’s second smallest country, Monaco. (The Vatican is the smallest, by the way). The Principality of Monaco, to use its official name, covers just 0.76 square miles, but within its small pocket-handkerchief sized boundaries, it has money and glamour and a reputation that totally outstrips its size.

A policy of reclaiming land from the sea means the country is very slowly growing in size, but it still remains the world's smallest French-speaking country. For the record, Monaco is also the world’s most densely populated sovereign country.  It has been ruled by one family, the Grimaldis, since 1297, when, according to legend, François Grimaldi captured the fortress on the strategic Rock on Monaco, dressed as a Franciscan monk.

Geographically surrounded by France on all sides, except for its Mediterranean sea-board, the borders of the country are little more than signs on the highway: you drive along the A8 Corniche from Nice to Menton, via Monaco.  Just as the border between Monaco and its huge neighbor, France, is hard to spot, so is the distinction between Monaco and Monte Carlo.  The distinction between the state and the city of Monaco is purely theoretical, and is at best a fairly hazy concept. Monte Carlo is one of the three original municipalities of the city state, under its 1911 constitution, and today the term generally refers to the better-known center of Monaco – the casino, the castle, the harbor, the hotels.

Monaco is tiny, that much is obvious.  It is also pretty, in a picture postcard kind of way, and very, very wealthy, in a shimmering, expensive kind of way.  There are designer shops galore, luscious looking Monaco hotels, casinos, enormous private yachts in the harbor, and a hill-top castle complete with a daily changing of the guard.

The wealth derives largely from its tax-free status.  The world’s seriously wealthy people live there, to escape tax.  They invest their money there, to avoid tax, and the self-fulfilling cycle continues.  The rich bring glamor, the glamor draws tourists, making tourism one of the country’s main sources of income.

There are banks galore, to store all that money.  There are also casinos – there to potentially relieve you of your money, though every gambler must secretly hope that, just like the song, they will be the ones to, “break the bank at Monte Carlo”.

Monaco is host each summer to the Monaco Grand Prix, the most demanding and the most glamorous of all the Formula 1 races.  No purpose-built race-track for this Grand Prix – instead the race is run on the twisty streets of the little country, up and down the hills, past the shops, past the casinos, and through a tunnel along the sea, which runs under one of the large hotels.  The Beautiful People flock to Monaco in droves, to watch the race from their yachts in the harbor.  It is all just too glamorous for speech.

The prestigious Monte Carlo Rally is also considered to be one of the world's toughest road rallies, and is the opening event of the annual World Rally Championship.  Add to these the Monte Carlo Masters, which has been a fixture on the tennis social circuit since 1897, and it’s easy to see why there is such a whiff of glamour and excitement attached to the place.

In addition to all this money and adrenalin is the glamorous, film-star image of Monaco, largely shaped when the Hollywood actress Grace Kelly married the ruler of Monaco, the late Prince Rainier in 1956.  Monaco acquired a dash of Hollywood glitz and Hollywood got its real-life royalty – until the princess died in a car accident in 1982.  The death of such a beautiful iconic woman, in circumstances that have still not been fully explained, only served to strengthen the mystique of the principality.  Rumours still swirl about who was at the wheel of her car when she plunged off the Corniche.

Every day, outside the little hill-top castle that is the royal home, a small detachment of the even smaller Monegasque military, enacts the ritual changing of the guard.  They march down the cobbled little main street, across the cobbled little square, to the delight of the visitors who flock there to witness the spectacle. The little royal army, La Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince has a total force of 112, so in the unlikely event of anyone invading it, Monaco would have to rely on France, with whom there are numerous treaties and agreements.

Once you are through with the window-shopping and celebrity-spotting, try and fit in a visit to the wonderful Musée Océanographique (Marine Museum). The museum, which was opened in 1910, houses much of the diving equipment of the legendary and pioneering diver and explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, who became the director of the museum in 1957.  You can see over 4,000 kinds of fish, while you gaze out at the Mediterranean, and drool over the drop-dead gorgeous boats in the harbor below.

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French Riviera - Nice the Gloss and Glamour

There is something undeniably glamorous about the French Riviera.  Just a mention of the name brings images of sun-kissed beaches, blue skies, sleek yachts and impossibly glamorous people to mind. Much of this hype is undeniably true, but in a town like Nice the gloss and glamour are leavened by a hearty dose of natural, practical Mediterranean life. The harbor may well be filled with beautiful yachts, frequented by beautiful people, but there are also working fishing boats and ferries.  The restaurants may well be three-star Michelin, but the harbor-side cafes, frequented by locals, are every bit as popular and bursting with life.

It is this mix of image and reality that make Nice such a fascinating microcosm of the French Riviera. When other pretty coastal towns and villages empty at the end of the season as the beautiful people jet off somewhere else, life in Nice continues pretty much as before. The colorful fruit and vegetable market still takes place every week in Cours Salaya, the ferries and fishing boats still leave on the evening tide, and the harbor cafes are as busy and noisy as before.

The Promenade des Anglais – or the Promenade of the English – is as good a place as any to start exploring Nice. This long, wide coastal promenade is a place to stroll, to skateboard, to jog, to walk your dog, to people-watch, to see, and, possibly most importantly of all, to be seen.

In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, there was a large English colony on the French Riviera – drawn there then, as they still are today, by the beautiful weather of the Riviera. Because access to the beach was difficult, the English residents undertook the construction of a path to give them access to the sea – this was the origin of the present fashionable street, and hence the name.  Bordered on one side by the blue Mediterranean and on the other side by iconic Niçois hotels such as the stunning art déco Negresco Hotel and the Palais de la Méditerranée, the Promenade des Anglais allows you to admire the best of Nice: the sea, the beach, and on the horizon, the hills.

The hills that overlook the city are home to the oldest part of town – a network of twisting, narrow lanes and steps, topped by a castle. The houses here are tall, brightly painted and with flowers cascading out of window boxes and lines of washing strung on poles between houses to dry – present an image that has probably not changed for centuries.

Dominating the old town is the Chateau, or castle, which is in fact no longer a castle, but the place where the city’s fortress used to stand.  In 1706, this fortress was destroyed by the Duke of Berwick, an illegitimate son of King James II of England; curiously enough, he was serving in the French army at the time. Now the area known as 'Chateau' is a vantage point, with a pretty shaded walk from which there is a circular, stunning view over Nice – to one side, the beach and the long elegant Promenade des Anglais, and to the other side, the packed bustling harbor.

It wasn’t just the early sun-seeking English who flocked to Nice. Artists and painters have been drawn to that stretch of the French Riviera for generations, inspired both by the gentle climate and the beautiful natural light.  The painter and sculptor Henri Matisse lived and worked in Nice for many years and the Musée Matisse, which houses much of his work, is a must-see for any visitor to the city.

The Musée Marc Chagall, which houses much of this important 20th century painter’s work, was his personal donation to France. The museum in Nice is home to the most important permanent collection of his work in the world.  Chagall, born in poverty to a Russian Jewish family, settled in the south of France where he died in 1985.  His paintings, which always have strong mystic and religious overtones, are superbly displayed in this museum, where the specially designed large windows take advantage of the bright Mediterranean light.

One of the most picturesque districts of old Nice is the Cours Saleya, where there is a bustling fruit and flower market.  The Square is now lined with shops and smart restaurants, making it an ideal place for dinner.

The city comes alive each year in January, when there is the famous Battle of Flowers. Over two weekends extraordinarily decorated floats – completely made up of flowers – wind their way slowly through the streets, attracting huge and enthusiastic crowds.

Like any major port city, Nice has long been a cultural melting pot for generations and there are strong influences from Italy, as well as North Africa. Nice is a cosmopolitan place, where the pace of life is different from the north of France, where the accents and language are different, and there is definitely much more of a sense of 'joie de vivre' – hardly surprising if you live in such as pretty place, bathed in sunlight.

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The Samaya Bali is Wonderful Service and Enjoyable Stay!

Stayed there as a family and it was wonderful from the time of checking in. The staff there are so wonderful as they are usually all smiles and try their best to meet your requests. The villa was very nice too, clean and spacious. Lighting though, could be better at the sofa/TV area. The pool in the villas at 1.8m is just too deep, even for adults! The pool at the spa was better, at 1.45m. Massages there were very good and professional, with nice facilities. The food was yummy, for both restaurants there. The breakfast is an all you can order and eat kind of thing, so it's a foodie's paradise. Dinner is by the riverside so it's nice to hear the flow of water while you eat. Buggy service is provided by the hotel unless you want a good workout. Very steep slopes to walk on if you want to give your heart a workout. The shuttle service to Ubud town (about 10 minutes ride) is great too. They drop you off where you want to, and pick you up on time. They also offer hikes, on foot or bicycle to see the rice padi fields. They've done very well to keep their guests happy, from the manager to the service staff. They are very attentive to talk to the children too. I also liked their approach to hire people from the nearby village. Gives it a more homely feel to the resort.

This place is amazing! We could not have chosen a better place to relax and unwind.... We stayed for 6 nights in one of the Hill Villa's and loved every moment. The villa's are so beautiful, clean, private and serene and the grounds of the Samaya are stunning. The staff are wonderful and really went out of their way to make sure we were looked after. The food is amazingly good - whether in-house dining or at both of the restaurants. One morning while we were having breakfast over looking the rice fields I asked for some coconut water which was not on the menu.. I couldn't believe it when later that day we were enjoying our afternoon tea at the "Swept Away" restaurant and the wait staff brought out a fresh coconut with a straw and the beautiful coconut water inside! This is only one example of how the amazing staff go above and beyond to make you feel so welcome and cared for.

We did the cooking class which was fantastic - you go for an early morning tour of the local markets which is a highlight, and you get to eat all the beautiful food you have cooked! 

We made use of the Spa a couple of times during our stay and I definitely recommend the Hot Stone Massage - it was so relaxing and although the prices are more expensive than the street spa places - it is definitely worth paying extra for the beautiful clean rooms and lovely accommodating therapists who go out of their way to make you comfortable.

I definitely recommend this resort to anyone who is looking for a perfect romantic and relaxing holiday... The Samaya Ubud is paradise found!

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Elsamere is Born Free in Kenya

In Kenya, the Rift Valley forms the basis of the country’s major geographical features, the string of lakes that lies like an elongated ribbon to the north-west of Nairobi.

Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru, Lake Elementaita, Lake Naivasha and Lake Magadi in the south, have all become important focal points for wildlife, especially birdlife.

Lake Naivasha was ‘discovered' by a German naturalist called Gustav Fischer in 1883, and its name is thought to derive from a classic case of European mispronunciation. The early visitors asked their Swahili porters what the lake was called and were told 'enaiposha' which means quite simply 'the lake'.  And so, with the pronunciation slightly mangled by the Europeans, Lake Naivasha it became.

Over 400 species of birds have been recorded on the lake, and hippo and crocodile abound in the lake’s cool waters. It is little wonder, therefore, that one of Kenya’s most famous residents, Joy Adamson, the author of the spectacularly successful book Born Free, chose to live on the shores of Lake Naivasha.

In 1956, Joy’s husband George, who was a game ranger in northern Kenya, brought home three orphaned lion cubs after he had killed their mother, unaware that she had attacked him only because she was protecting her tiny cubs.  The Adamsons decided to hand rear the three cubs, naming them Lusiticia, The Big One and Elsa.  When the three cubs became too much of a handful for the Adamsons and their staff, the two larger ones were sent to a zoo.  The youngest animal Elsa stayed with them and would become Joy’s passion.

In time, the Adamsons decided that Elsa had to be set free rather than sending her to a zoo as well, and thus they embarked on a long program teaching her to hunt and to live on her own. They were successful and Elsa became the first lioness to be successfully released back into the wild, as well as the first lioness to maintain contact with humans after her release.

The Adamson’s former home, a pretty, unpretentious vernadah'ed bungalow called Elsamere, is today a wildlife education center with an interesting little museum devoted to Joy and her late husband George, a renowned conservationist and lion expert.

Elsamere is first and foremost aimed at wildlife researchers and is a serious center of study. Day visitors are more than welcome and, if the bungalows scattered around the garden are not all occupied by researchers, can also spend the night.

Aim to arrive in good time in the afternoon, when there is a wonderful tea laid on in the gardens down by the lake. The tea is a proper old-fashioned English tea, with neatly crimped sandwiches, cakes on tiered cake stands with white paper doilies and home-baked Victoria sponge cake. Despite the attractions of the delicious spread, you may find your children (or yourself) hardly able to concentrate on the food, so exciting are the troops of beautiful Colobus monkeys that live on the estate. The monkeys are everywhere: in the trees, on the roof, and even sitting on the lawn at a respectable distance, watching you eat.

One of the charms of Elsamere is that it has been kept pretty much the way it was when the Adamsons lived there, so you feel much more like a house guest than a hotel guest. The staff are charm personified and delight in having enthusiastic children staying. Rather than being the usual learned researchers, they will also proudly show off all their Elsa the lion memorabilia.

There are photo albums of the original lions as well as of the making of the film, framed photos galore, the Adamson’s own books lying around on tables for you to read.  Visitors of all ages can curl up in chintz covered armchairs and read wildlife books all afternoon.  Of course, you can also watch Born Free sitting in the Adamson’s own living room, adding extra charm to an already charming movie.

After dinner, a ranger escorts you to your bungalow with instructions that under no circumstances are you to leave your bungalow during the night because hippos often come and wander through the property, eating the grass.

And sure enough, just as this blogger's family was ready to turn in for the night, we heard a snuffly sound outside.  Opening our bungalow door cautiously, we saw an enormous hippo happily chomping on the grass, just a few inches away. We all went to sleep with a delicious frisson of excited fear.  Despite the very comfortable, English feel of Elsamere, that was Africa out there, having a midnight snack.

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Al Maha Desert Resort is Excellent!

Out of all the leading hotels I have visited so far, Al Maha stands out by a wide margin. 

When my girlfriend and I decided to spend our Christmas vacation in Dubai, we deliberately split the vacation to include a cultural/nature/relaxation part (Al Maha) as well as a shopping and beach part in a hotel on the Palm Island.

Best experiences:
- Swimming in the private pool while gazelles are grazing only a few feet away is simply amazing
- Camel trekking with champagne and fruit reception to watch the sunset on a dune
- The desert is simply beautiful
- Great facts learnt through the activities (who knew that the bedouins oriented themselves through changes in sand color? (Each Emirate has a different sand color))
- Great for foodies

Pros:
- The only cultural/nature experience in newly build Dubai
- Good for relaxation
- Superbly decorated villas with private pool
- Very polite staff
- Provides Arabic as well as European cuisines
- Activities are great 

Cons:
- Depending on your age, the duration of the stay must be taken into account as it could become a bit isolated after a few days.

Up to 30 years: 3-4 days are perfect
30-40 years: 4-10 days
40+ : any length

Al Maha is just perfect, it is not to be missed when travelling to Dubai. In fact, if I had not visited Al Maha, I would not have liked my vacation in Dubai at all as it would have been too standard and not memorable enough.

My recommendation - visit Al Maha for 4-5 days and then spend another 4-5 days in a beach hotel in Dubai, best of both worlds.

Thanks & have fun!

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The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah a GHM Hotel - A Little Too Much Attention?

We booked to at the Chedi Club after a grueling 14 day birding trip to Sulawesi staying in some very basic accomodation feeling that we deserved a little pampering after our exertions.

The pool villa was all that we wanted a private oasis in which we could lock ourselves away and rest. We only called on the butler to deliver our afternoon tea and collect laundry and he respected our privacy.

In the public areas however the manner of the staff was somewhat over zelous for our personel taste, although we can imagine others might be flattered by so much attention. At meal times a constant tide of waiters were in attendance clearing away dishes at lightening speed and ever watching for an opportunity to be of service. On top of all this an array of managers seemed at hand to enquire if we were satisfied and engage us in conversation. We are perhaps an exceptionto the rule but feel that perfect service should be ubobtrusive and in our opinion slightly less fuss would result in that perfection.

We cannot agree that food and drinks were overpriced as they were somewhat less costly than top class international hotels the world over. After the excellent breakfast, afternoon tea, mini bar and evening cocktails all of which were included in the room rate there was little need to buy additional food or drink other than perhaps a glass of wine with dinner.

The surroundings were extremly peaceful and the hotel grounds magnificent, which for us added up to the perfect locationfor our break without the need to explore further.

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Top Five Castles in Asia

If someone says the magic word 'castle', what image springs to mind? Perhaps you think of the mystery-soaked monuments that cast their long shadows across medieval Europe. Or perhaps you think of the English king Arthur and the court of Camelot. 

But Europe holds no monopoly on castles. Asia hosts scores. Here are five of Asia’s most striking and strange castles, which transcend bricks-and-mortar, and border on marvellous. Their haunting, massive presence evokes the sound of drums and thunder. 

China Gate, Nanjing

China Gate is one of China’s biggest existing ancient castles. Also intricately wrought, China Gate served as the south gate of Nanjing hotels in eastern China, on the Yangtze River during the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). 

Built in 1366 with a Ming Dynasty tycoon buried under it, China Gate stretches over 100 meters from east to west. The fortress’ mighty bulwarks played a key role in several wars.

Whenever Nanjing was stormed by invaders, with devilish cunning, China Gate defendants let the enemy in. The defendants then shut the four arched doors. That meant that, split, the enemy could be picked off one by one. So China Gate was a portal to death, or the afterlife.

Himeji Castle, Kansai

Japan's most remarkable castle, Unesco-listed Himeji is also called Hakuro-jo or White-Heron Castle. Thank its shining white exterior and alleged resemblance to a bird taking off.

The castle dates back to 1333. It is seen as the finest surviving example of early Japanese castle architecture with its network of 83 buildings boasting advanced feudal age defensive systems.

Himeji was badly bombed in 1945, at the end of the Second World War. Most of its neighbourhood was razed. One firebomb actually landed on the castle’s top floor but happily failed to explode. The castle endured unscathed.

Note that now, however, Himeji is undergoing renovation. So before you visit Himeji Castle, you might want to check the state of play www.himejijo-syuri.jp/en/index.html.

Nijo Castle, Kyoto

Unesco-listed Nijo Castle was built in 1603 as the Kyoto home of Tokugawa Ieyasu: the first shogun of the Edo age (1603-1867). Gigantic, Nijo Castle embodies the shogun’s military and political power.

The shogun’s grandson developed the castle, tacking on a five-storey keep. After the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867, Nijo Castle served as an imperial palace for a spell before being given to the city and opened to all-comers as a historic site. Stone walls and moats surround Nijo Castle’s daintily landscaped grounds.

Monte Fort, Macau

Mammoth Monte Fort was built between 1617 and 1626, finished during the reign of Emperor Xizong in the Ming Dynasty. Each of Monte Fort’s four sides stretches some 100 meters.

The stupendous square castle played a key role in saving Macau from Dutch invaders who arrived in 1622. That was the only time that Monte Fort’s cannons were fired. Monte Fort then served as the home of a Macau military bigwig before morphing into a forbidden military zone. Monte Fort now contains a museum.

Kellie's Castle, Malaysia

Splendidly odd, Kellie's Castle owes its existence to Scottish tycoon William Kellie Smith, who came from a village called Kellas.

In 1890, at 20, Kellie Smith arrived in Malaya and met an estate owner called Alma Baker, who had won concessions from the state government to clear vast expanses of forest in Perak, Peninsular Malaysia’s second largest state.

With the fat profits made from his venture with Baker, Smith built a resources empire. Then, on the back of his vast fortune, he built Kellie's Castle in Indian style.

Smith’s wild card castle – a mansion really – can be reached from the main road through a bridge running across a stream. Besides being allegedly haunted, Kellie's Castle apparently hosts hidden rooms and secret underground tunnels: a massive cabinet of curiosities.

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The Westin Sydney is Great Location dan Fabulous rooms

I stay at the Westin as much as possible when I am in Sydney on business. The location can't be beat. I was in Sydney last week with three of my colleagues and I recommended the Westin.

When booking the room, one of my colleagues, who sits next to me, was booking on the Westin website at the same time as I was. She got her rate at around 280/290AUD per night. I decided to be smart, and use the SPG website. My rate ended up at around 320 per night, but I assumed that because I was there on the Wednesday night , and my colleague was not, this was the difference.

When I clicked the submit key, I received an error message telling me to try again later. I needed to get a confirmation, so I went to the regular Westin website. I received a rate of 360 per night. Calling Westin customer service did not help, as the people on the phone, even the service manager, just kept repeating the same line - The room is no longer available. the manager, even suggested that this is similar to an airline website, where the prices change, depending on availability! I'm sorry, but a time differential of less than 5 minutes should not make a difference, in my opinion But then, what do I know? I'm only the customer.

She said that she would do me a favour and call the Westin, who also told her that the room rate was no longer available. I could have the room for 360 per night. Seeing as all my other colleagues had booked already, I said fine - if there's nothing you can do for me, I have no choice - I'll take the room.

When I finally received my email confirmation, imagine my surprise when i was being charged 370 per night! I just shook my head, realizing the uselessness and futility of calling up .

Is this service? All people seem to be able to tell you is NO. And then to quote a rate, then confirm the room at an even higher rate, it is just ridiculous, and smacks of the worst example of price gouging. With other hotels, they will apologise and give you some incentive - a nicer room at that rate, free internet, something. The attitude that I received was - take it or leave it.

I realize that this is already long, so will just quickly list the other issues:
-no more free water in the rooms
-housekeeping coming in to service the room, even if I had the Do Not Disturb sign lit
-no electrical outlets near the bed (brought this up before, and this is something that I don't understand; other hotels have them for the convenience of their guests)

The only things that this hotel has going for it are:
-the fitness centre, which is a full gym, not one with machines and a few weights
-the location

Other than that, I am seriously looking around for another hotel to stay in in Sydney

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Best Japanese Menu Items

Japan routinely gets labeled weird and quirky. Its image may just be a cartoon cliché based on little, but there's joy in believing that the island nation is drastically different – even odder than England.

Still, few would argue that Japan serves up some extraordinary dishes that make frog’s legs look tame. Take a look at the menu. Spotlighted dishes range from a poisonous fish to feral ice cream.

Some Japanese menu items

1. Fugu

Fugu is the Japanese word for pufferfish: that naturally inflatable fun guy of the deep armed with the spikes. If sloppily prepared, the dish can be lethally poisonous, so fugu must rank as one of the strangest dishes available anywhere in the world.

The 'tora' – 'tiger' – fugu is considered the best type of fugu – also the most poisonous.

Japanese fugu chefs need certification before they're able to prepare the dish. After preparation, the entrails and offcuts are kept sealed in a container then incinerated, lest it kills anyone sorting through or removing the garbage.

Restaurants selling fugu can also be found in New York. The fish is imported already cleaned from Japan and is subject to further inspection and approval by the US Food and Drug Administration, removing the element of danger – and adventure.  

2. Grubs

Bringing a whole new meaning to the term “pub grub”, the Japanese happily devour grubs of all kinds. Think boiled wasp larvae, aquatic insect larvae, fried cicada, fried rice-field grasshopper, and fried silk moth pupae.

And why not? Insects’ taboo, creepy-crawly rap is a random cultural thing. Insects amount to just another kind of protein, like nuts or beef. Fried water beetles, locust and similar crunchy critters are also common in Thailand.

3. Raw horse

Raw horse – or basashi as the Japanese call it – is just what you expect or dread. The dish appears particularly outlandish because it presses two hot buttons. Uncooked meat collides with an animal that we admire and recreationally enlist for transport.

If the thought of basashi makes you feel squeamish, remember that, for most of mankind's early existence, wild horses were hunted as a protein source. Weirdness is in the eye of the beholder.

4. Shirako or “white children” (Google 'milt' for the confronting specifics).

This fishy dish is a popular delicacy at izakaya (Japanese pubs) and sushi bars. Coming from cod, anglerfish (and fugu, for the poisonous variety). Shirako is mainly served raw, but some places will also lightly fry it.

5. Water-flavored ice cream

If you want to up the ante, try some of Japan’s oddball ice creams. At Tokyo’s Ice Cream City you can find a rainbow array of ice-cream flavors.

Think hot spring water, potato, char-grilled seaweed, whale, straw, and… basashi. Yes, you can eat horse meat ice cream. What a thrilling change that would make from vanilla.

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Shangri-La Hotel - Sydney Siders Honeymoon Spot

This was our first stay here and we stayed for 6 nights. We had been wanting to stay here for ages.

We booked a Deluxe Grand Harbour View room and the view did not disappoint. I could look at that view all day and having the window bench is a great place to sit and enjoy it.

The room was a good size and the decor was nice. The bed was very comfortable and the linen was of a very good quality. The bathroom was very clean with separate bath and shower. The bathroom amenities were OK, a generic shower gel and shampoo is not what I call 5 star.

There were a few minor problems with our room, The toilet seat was not properly fastened so a little tricky sitting down. The small table between the window bench was not secured to the wall so when we used it the whole thing collapsed. The seat cushion was horribly stained as was one of the bedside lamps. I ordered a drink in the down stairs bar and after I gave the barman my order, I waited and waited and when I asked why I hadn't got my drink I was told the barman had gone on his dinner break. Hmmmm!

When we mentioned the problems with our room to Kerrin the Duty Manager these were all fixed in a very prompt manner. Kerrin, during our stay was absolutely fantastic her customer service was exemplary.

As it was my partners birthday during our stay a small chocolate birthday cake was in our room over 3 nights and a bottle of champagne was also put in our room one night, it was such a lovely thought. The turn down service each night is a nice touch also.

The hotel is in a great location with The Rocks area just a short walk away as is Circular Quay.

All in all it was a comfortable stay but 'It's all about the view'.

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What do you think about Ballooning in Kenya?

It had all seemed quite straightforward during the pre-flight briefing with the pilot.  After describing how balloons operate and how the flights are staffed, the pilot had said that the wind conditions appeared favorable, but that if they were too strong in the morning the flights would have to be cancelled.  He reminded everyone to dress warmly, to bring cameras, and just as the meeting was closing, he added, “Don't forget to bring a hat.” For the sun, you presume.

Now it is five in the morning in the Masai Mara. It is still dark. Inside the lodge one solitary light is on. A small group of sleepy people stand around, drinking cups of coffee.  There is the sound of a jeep pulling up outside, a cheery, 'Good morning everybody.  Come on, let's go!' and you climb in, shake hands with your balloon pilot and set off for the launching area.  Just before you leave, the pilot asks, 'Did you all remember to bring a hat?

It is still dark when you arrive, but it is a scene of activity already.  The balloon is stretched out on the ground, the padded basket or gondola, which will be your base for the next hour lies on its side, and the crew is busy getting the gas burners ready.

The pre-dawn air is chilly, but the sky is starting to get light as the crew begins to inflate the balloon.  First, cold air from a fan is blown inside the balloon, and once it is half inflated, the crew ignites the gas burners. There is a loud rushing sound and flames shoot up into the balloon.  As the air inside heats up, the balloon slowly rights itself until it is vertical, and is being held down by the crew just long enough for the passengers to scramble aboard the wicker gondola.  The pilot gives one last glance to check that all is in order, the crew releases the gondola and you slowly drift up into the air and off over the Masai Mara.

The gondola is divided into sections, which are well padded and with handles. When the pilot turns on the gas, there is a loud hissing noise and it is suddenly very hot. You realise why he had suggested hats – to protect you from the heat from the gas and not from the sun.

As the balloon drifts along, the sky getting lighter by the minute, you pass over a Masai “boma” or village, its encircling protective thorn bushes looking like a pattern on the ground.  Then the serious wildlife spotting begins: giraffe, elephants, a long line of wildebeest moving in single file. A quick movement in the clump of trees over which you are floating and the pilot says excitedly.  “Did you see that?  Leopard!” Just a glimpse, but leopard it was.

The noise from the gas burners alternates with total silence, as the balloon drifts along following the air currents.  Dawn is the optimal time for balloon flights since the hot air inside the balloon is lighter than the cool early morning air.  The hotter the air in the balloon, the quicker it rises.  The cooler the air, the quicker it descends.  The pilot controls the altitude by controlling the air temperature inside the balloon.

What he cannot control is the direction in which you fly.  You simply drift along as the morning winds decide. Down below, you can see the support vehicles following.  As no one yet has any idea of where the balloon will come down, the crew (and your breakfast) must follow as you lead.

Everyone is engrossed in the stunning panorama, the few trees below making beautiful abstract patterns against the dusty land.  More giraffe and wildebeest, another herd of elephants, impala, gazelles, and all too soon, the pilot says “I think we’ll land over there”. “Over there” is a flat empty expanse of land.

Why don't you all sit down and hold onto the straps?” he suggests, having already outlined the emergency procedure to follow, should the balloon tilt over on landing.  It does nothing of the kind, of course, simply bouncing once or twice before the ground crew grabs hold of it.

Out you all scramble and suddenly you're in the middle of a hive of activity. Tables have been set out, food has appeared from nowhere and a smiling cook, complete with white chef's hat, is standing at his portable stove asking, "How do you like your eggs?" Juice, coffee, and – why not? – a glass of champagne follow.

As you sit there, the sky by now a deep blue, figures appear on the horizon, seemingly out of nowhere. Masai tribesmen march briskly towards open your open-air restaurant, and sit solemnly in a circle, a polite distance away. They have come to see the spectacle and also to try and sell souvenirs to the day’s champagne-for-breakfast crowd.

The balloon pilot makes a beeline for one old man, and opens negotiations for a Masai spear.  A cup of coffee later and the price has been fixed.  But the pilot realizes he has forgotten his wallet. No problems, smiles the old Masai man.  He will come to watch the balloon show tomorrow morning, and collect his payment.

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Darling Hotel is Fabulously Stylish Hotel

The Darling has great style and should be buzzing but the lobby was consistently empty; an odd thing for such a chic place. It is, however, attached to the casino complex and near Darling Harbor so that's probably where everyone was hanging out.

Arrival:

Very nice greeting from staff. I arrived from the US early in the morning and sadly there were no rooms available. (though my hosts thought that would be arranged) Not to worry, stored luggage and took a short walk into Sydney's CBD for a bite to eat and some shopping. Lobby is very cool.

The room:

More great style! (have to mention the hallways are really stylish but the room numbers are difficult to see) From the large graphic behind the ultra comfortable bed and desk to the wall of windows and INCREDIBLE sheets, everything was well thought through. (did I mention the sheets? They felt like silk and were lovely! Big TV was great and you could control practically everything in the room from you remote. (It was a kick opening the draperies from bed but it took more steps than you'd like so the novelty wore off quick; same with the lights.)

The bathroom:

Great open concept so you had light and air. Still not sure about it though as it robs some privacy. The WC and shower were wrapped in patterned glass and very nice. The shower had both rain and handheld units...very nice.

Extra touches:

The lighted closet was great, you don't see this enough, and the orange colored hangers were chic. There is a safe but my 15" Mac wouldn't fit. The control box in the lid took too much room. However, it's fine for some smaller items.

Something handy:

There is a grocery store across from the hotel, perfect for picking up snacks and drinks.

General thoughts:

A very nice, albeit pricey, hotel that is perfect for Darling Harbor and the current convention center (it's supposedly closing down soon). It's about a 20 minute walk to the main shopping of Sydney's CBD. Lots of restaurants nearby and the multiple skylines that Sydney has. Certainly recommended. Just make your own vibe.

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The Handful of Pretty Coral Islands in Sipadan

For a scuba diver, Sipadan is as close as it gets to Mecca.  This tiny coral atoll off the coast of Malaysian Borneo is pure scuba diving heaven.

Sipadan lies 36 kilometers off the coast, and to get there you must first go to the small town of Semporna, which is where most of the boats leave from to take you out to Sipadan. Many divers base themselves in Semporna itself and travel to and from each day by boat. Or you can opt to stay on one of the many islands that surround Sipadan – a much more relaxing option.

But don’t think you can just rock up and dive in Sipadan.  Access to the island is strictly controlled, and only a certain number of dive permits are given per day.  Just 120 permits are available each day, and demand is huge from the many dive resorts in the vicinity. Your hotel or dive set-up will arrange the permits for you – and remember: you can no longer spend the night on Sipadan.  Be prepared to not be diving every day during busy holiday periods. The system is fair and organized, however, and the authorities really do try and accommodate everyone.  They know that’s why you’re there.

The island is just the tip of a huge limestone pinnacle that rises a sheer 600 meters from the sea bed. It is home to a breathtaking variety of corals, tropical fish, and, deeper down, more sensational (and possibly scary) inhabitants of the sea.

Diving on the near vertical “wall” is an extraordinarily dizzying experience. As you dive, you look down below you and there is nothing. Literally nothing but an increasingly dark blue nothingness below you.

The reef is home to a dazzling array of corals, which are home in turn to an equally dazzling range of tropical fish. You regularly see schools of barracuda and tuna, many reef sharks, including hammerhead sharks, but the most special sightings of all are of the turtles.

The turtles swim lazily by, amazingly close, and certainly not frightened of humans. The temptation to reach out and touch these beautiful, endangered creatures is strong – but the dive masters keep a watchful eye on you.  To swim alongside such a magnificent creature is truly a privilege.

Pulau Sipadan (Pulau means island in Bahasa Malay) is possibly the best known island in Borneo. It is also, sadly, one of the most infamous islands, as well.

The handful of pretty coral islands, of which Sipadan is the undoubted jewel in the crown, lie virtually on the maritime border between Malaysia and the Philippines, and have been the subject of disputes over the years. Nearby Indonesia also claimed sovereignty over the island, and all of this tension came to a head with the high-profile kidnapping of tourists back in 2000.

The resultant fall-out has been increased policing of the islands and Sipadan is now safer and more protected than ever before. This visible policing has had the add-on benefit of discouraging maritime poaching, over-fishing, and most importantly the illegal hunting of the endangered sea turtles and their eggs. It is now one of the safest and most protected places to dive, for both humans and wildlife.

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A Flaneur’s Paradise - Aix en Provence

The delightful French word flâner could have been created just for the pretty town of Aix-en-Provence.

Flâner means to stroll, to walk slowly and unhurriedly. When you are a flâneur, you wander, you take time to stroll about enjoying the sights and sounds, but always at an unhurried pace. It stands to reason that you usually flane in nice weather, too.

All of which makes Aix-en-Provence a flaneur’s paradise par excellence.

The pretty, elegant, historic (but not too historic) town has enough to charm you, but without leaving you culturally exhausted. You can wander and stroll, take breaks and pictures, and absorb the sights on your own time, never feeling the need to rush around ticking off sights on a “Must See At All Costs” list.

In other words, it’s a great place to flâner.

Aix-en-Provence is situated in the sunny region of southern France known as Provence, and it wears its centuries of history lightly. From the Romans onwards, successive generations of invaders and conquerors have shaped the history of Aix.

In the 12th century it became an important center for the arts and learning. In 1409, King Louis II of Anjou granted a charter for a university, and the town remains an important university and college town today. This artistic and educational background has left its mark, most notably in the various and frequent festivals, exhibitions and exuberant cultural performances. There is a palpable feel of culture.

Aix-en-Provence is inextricably linked with two giants of the 19th century, Paul Cézanne and Emile Zola.

Paul Cézanne, the master of Impressionism, was born there in 1839 and immortalized the city in countless masterpieces.

To the east of Aix is the Montagne Sainte Victoire, which at 1,011 meters hardly qualifies as a mountain; yet many know it well, since it was a favorite haunt of Cézanne. He painted it many times, making it a leitmotif in so many of his works.

The novelist Emile Zola moved to Aix as a child, and was a contemporary and school-friend of Paul Cézanne. It is these 2 men who dominate the spirit of Aix, one through his paintings and the other through his writing.

To get into the ambience, or the “feel” of Aix, take a leaf out of the locals’ book and stroll along the famed Cours Mirabeau, a wide street lined with elegant 18th century homes, and tall shade-giving plane trees.

The center of town is dominated by a large square with a huge fountain, the obligatory swirling traffic, and, tucked away in a corner, a statue of Cézanne. Shops, cafés and restaurants line the square, and everyone sits outside, lingering over drinks, watching the world go by.

Nothing is hurried. Life is enjoyed and savored.

Office workers go out for a proper lunch, sitting at pavement restaurants in the sun, eating, drinking carafes of rosé wine, smoking, and then after a quick espresso, heading back to work.

This is most definitely not a place for fast food.

Wander through the narrow streets of the old town, where the houses and shops are tightly packed, and many buildings have little statues of the Virgin Mary set into their walls, personal little shrines. Street names are written in the native language, Provençal Occitan, a relative of the Catalan language and a descendent of Roman Latin. Gurgling stone fountains in nearly every tree-shaded square add to the palpable sense of history that surrounds you at every step.

If you are there over a weekend, head for one of the popular open-air markets, prime candidates for sensory overload. There will be stalls offering fabulous looking fruit, vegetables and cheeses, jostling for space next to lavender, olives, locally made Savon de Marseilles soap and saffron.

Aix is known all over France for calissons, small, sweet, almond-shaped pastries that are an Aix specialty. They are an absolutely obligatory purchase – possibly the only “must do” in an otherwise delightfully relaxed town.

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Thailand's most relaxing and romantic destinations

Living in Thailand or one of its neighboring countries brings with it the considerable privilege of being close to a vast array of weekend destinations. Luxurious seaside resorts, island bungalows, high-rises – even remote mountain villas – dot Thailand's terrain and many of them are just a short flight from Southeast Asia's major cities.

With Valentine's Day looming, here's a quick guide to five of Thailand's most relaxing and romantic destinations for a last-minute getaway.

Cha-am

The coastal city of Cha-am is perfect for a quick dose of fresh air and fresh seafood, but the main beach gets extremely hectic on weekends. For the best chance at quiet time, harried city slickers should find a resort on the waterfront south of Cha-am's main drag and enjoy al fresco meals and some classic long walks along the beach.

Drive time from Bangkok: 2.5 hours.

Get there: Self-drive is the best option or taxi (around 2,000 THB). Minivans also depart from National Stadium, but the romance factor of this is non-existent. (160 THB)

Stay: Cher Resort – a chic boutique resort with big, soft bed, full TV-facing tub, DVD and flatscreen and an exclusive, intimate ambience. Some villas have outdoor tub and/or Jacuzzi. The Sea Spirit rooms from 6,024 THB per night with breakfast.  

Eat: Platoo, a five-minute walk away from Cher. Choose a table on the grass or sand for the nicest ambience. There are two boat karaoke rooms if you want to serenade your boo.

Suan Phung

Head for the hills, only two hours from Bangkok. Ratchaburi Province has a floating market, temple ruins, caves and hot springs, plus the latest 'hip' activity: sheep feeding.

Drive time from Bangkok: Around 2 hours.

Get there: The best option is to self-drive along Highway 338 or Petchkasem Road. 

Stay: The boutique Eden Garden Resort has English country-style cottages with river views, bicycle hire and a rowboat available for some kind of overwater romance scenario (from 1,600 THB). Toscana Resort is a romantic Tuscan-themed property with an onsite sheep farm.

Eat: The rustic Baan Hom Tian is local landmark that offers meals and homemade scented candles – how romantic!

Chiang Mai

Mountains, gardens, arts, crafts, Karon villages and a cool café scene make Chiang Mai a year-round favorite destination for short getaways.

Flight time: Around 60 mins from Bangkok – the best option for a short break.

Drive there: The 999 VIP bus from Mo Chit station takes 10 hours (767 THB) and you can do the trip overnight if you have time. A sleeper train departs from Hua Lamphong several times per day, taking around 12-14 hours (1^stClass Sleeper 1,453 THB).

Stay: The new 137 Pillars House offers an indulgent stay in spacious colonial-style suites with claw-foot tubs, iPod docks, plush beds and full entertainment systems.

Eat: Anusan Night Market – no need to overspend on dinner in Chiang Mai, just head to the markets for fresh streetside seafood.

Koh Chang

For secluded beaches, quiet nights and some of Thailand's most picturesque sunsets, it's hard to top Koh Chang. Thai Bangkokians rarely make this trip, so it never approaches the level of crowdedness of, say, Koh Samed or Koh Samui, even on long weekends.

Drive time: Around 4-5 hours from Bangkok.

Get there: Minivans depart from Victory Monument (200 THB) or you can hire a taxi (around 2-3,000 THB). The VIP bus from Ekkamai's Eastern Bus Station takes just over 5 hours to Laem Ngop pier (239 THB). From the pier, take a songthaew to your resort (70-100 THB). There is also an express busfrom Suvarnabhumi Airport all the way to Lonely Beach

Stay: Gaja Puri Resort & Spa has stylish timber villas and cottages with private pool and/or spa on Kai Bae Beach, a 15-20 minute drive from the pier.

Eat: Head to the main road and choose your pick of international or Thai food.

Koh Tao

Admittedly, this trip takes a bit more of a time investment, but it's worth it. And even though it sits in the south of the Thai Gulf, Koh Tao is still more accessible than most people realize. Unlike neighboring Samui and Phangan, calm permeates this diver's paradise – its quiet coves, clear waters and gentle breezes provide a wonderful natural setting for whatever romantic activity comes to mind.

Drive time: Around 6 hours self-drive to Chumphon pier, 9 hours by overnight bus.

Get there:  Overnight Lomphraya bus from Khao San Road departs 9pm and arrives at the pier by 7am, then it's a 90-minute ferry to Koh Tao (950 THB). First Class bus from Sai Tai Mai 306 THB (ferry extra). Some Koh Tao resorts will offer airport pickup from Surat Thani Airport, 70km away.

Stay: Charm Churee Village Resort on Jansom Bay has chic rustic rooms and private cottages nestled along the boulders of the shoreline. Guests can paddle or snorkel off the rocks or sun bathe on the sandy Jansom Bay.

Five Romantic Bangkok Staycations

Shanghai Mansion Boutique Hotel – Heritage hotel decorated in rich Chinoiserie. Full in-room amenities, with candles and room service provided. Mu Dan and Ying Hua rooms have big two-person tubs.

The Metropolitan – Metropolitan Rooms have plush deluxe King beds, big flatscreen TVs, and huge modern bathrooms with separate tub.

Banyan Tree – Club rooms have spacious modern bathrooms with deep tubs for two set against the window for sweeping city views.

Peninsula Hotel – Romantic riverside position, amazing views, top-notch service, and couples' treatments in the spa.

Lebua State Tower – Large self-contained suites with arguably the best view in Bangkok.

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