Author Archives: Catalina Forbes

Have a fantastic venue for every occasion for all your business meetings

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Deciding on a venue for your corporate meeting is a decision that will have the biggest impact on the success of the event. Gone are the days when corporate functions took place in stuffy rooms with drab interiors, these days, planning an event does not mean limiting yourself to boardrooms and offices for your choice of venue. Whether you’re planning an event for your client or hosting an employee seminar, finding a good backdrop is now essential to lifting the atmosphere of the event.

Tropical countries around the Indian Ocean have become famous for their scenic settings and venues, especially those in Mauritius. Resort and business oriented hotels here, like the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort, draw big events thanks to the stunning island backdrop. A business oriented resort understands the needs of today’s professionals and thus provides impeccable services and spaces to match.

Planning of the venue’s size, décor and lighting is done perfectly by the resort event planners and then carried out discreetly to create an ideal location to host your event. Something else to consider is the diverse options when it comes to catering for the event. Whether it’s a cocktail or sit down menu, resorts can design a special menu according to the event and any dietary needs your attendees may have.

Another advantage is the availability of modern conference technology to ensure everything runs on time and smoothly. Beautiful settings are a great way to inspire motivation at corporate events and modern meeting venues, whether indoor and outdoor, large or small, which are set in great locations, can make a world of differences to events. Most people don’t remember days, but instead, experiences; you want your attendees to not only absorb the work discussed but feel enriched by it.

While quality is a must, staging your event at a unique location makes it more memorable and enjoyable, and locations like Mauritius are becoming more popular with corporates who wants a successful and enjoyable stay.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

Discover the Indo-Mauritian Culture with Fascinating “Divali” Celebrations -Unto a world of lights

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“Divali”, or “Deepavali” is an amalgamation of two Sanskrit words, meaning “Row of Light”. As apparent by the name, Divali is celebrated to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil. Mauritius, where 63% of the population is Indian, out of which 80% follow Hinduism, this festival of light is celebrated in grandeur, transforming the island into a glittering fairyland at night.

Divali Celebration | News Island Crisis news.islandcrisis.net

Divali Celebration | News Island Crisis news.islandcrisis.net

An Indian festival in origin, Divali is celebrated in honour of Rama, the Prince of Ayodhya, returning home after his fourteen-year exile; the day also celebrated the victory of Rama over the devil king Ravana, as depicted in the epic “Ramayana”. However, the day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s consort, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, purity and light. Divali falls on the night of the New Moon in the month of Kartik i.e. October or November.
For the traveller who will be in Mauritius during this time period, an assault of cultural senses await. Considering the importance and beauty of Divali, all industries, including hospitality, in Mauritius come on board for the celebrations. Some hotels, such as InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort, a beach hotel in Mauritius, have special programs where tourists are taken to explore the area during festival time. Locals are busy fasting to purify the soul in the week preceding Divali, and cleaning their houses to welcome the goddess of light. The day of the festival is a carnival unto itself, with at least seven different types of sweets prepared in every household, which are then put into colourful boxes to be distributed among neighbours, friends, and family – with no discrimination on their beliefs. Divali is known to bring the multi-cultural, multi-ethnic population of the island together in creating a fairyland during the festival period.
While all these delicacies are tantalizing your taste buds, a visual spectral awaits as the night falls. Each and every house in the island lights an earthen oil lamp named “diya” outside their door, to repel darkness and invite light. This diyas glimmer with their flames dancing to the salted breeze from every house; multi-coloured lights illuminate trees, buildings, terraces, and houses as well, making it look as if the island is home to a thousand glimmering fireflies.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

Best Time to Visit sepang Malaysia: timing is crucial

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Travelling requires that you do the right amount of research on the country, region and of course the weather conditions you are bound to expect. Sepang, Malaysia is a coastal region in the south that has a weather pattern that is not in the least bit unpredictable. The sun will be your faithful companion on your travels in this area with the average temperature being 300 C all year round. However, expect the pitter patter of rain and also be on guard as the rain gods can turn furious from time to time. AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort is as you would have guessed an otherworldly Sepang Hotel which is highly recommended for all those who love the sea. It affords a luxurious space from which to enjoy and observe the weather in Sepang.

Sepang is a diverse land, which is beautifully covered with forests, oceans and croplands. Thus, it goes without saying that there is much to see and explore in the region. However, it is best to keep your raincoats and umbrellas in hand, as rains are to be expected on a daily basis.

The ideal time to revel among the waves would be February, as mid- February is thought to be the hottest time of the year. There would be few weather- related interruptions during this time of the year and making merry on the sands and getting that bronze tan you always wanted would be easy to achieve.

The monsoons pay a biannual visit to Malaysia. The effects of the rains could be varied, in the country as a whole. However in Sepang these times are not the best if you want to spend time by the beach. The North- East monsoon makes its appearance between the months of October and March while the South- West monsoon lashes forth from May to September.

Don’t be disheartened if you get the feeling that rains fall throughout the year, as the sun would nevertheless be faithful to you.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

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Event Venues in Colombo

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Colombo is rapidly emerging as a must-see stop in Sri Lanka. Colombo is the largest and the most commercial city in Sri Lanka. The city of Colombo offers historical monuments, colonial architecture, festivals and events, beaches, fine dining, and shopping. The happening nightspots have popped up recently in Colombo, giving it the much needed throbbing nightlife. While there are nightclubs with bars catering to the younger adults, there are some bars with popular bands playing, which are more popular amidst the older clientele. The city of Colombo has some of the best restaurants in the country, serving wide range of cuisines. The Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo is one of the most luxurious five star Hotels in Colombo. Cinnamon Lakeside has won many accolades and awards, making it the best leading five star hotel in Colombo. The hotel has been ranked the Best Five Star Hotel, twice by the Sri Lankan Tourist Board. Cinnamon Lakeside overlooks the tranquil Beira Lanka, and provides elegant and sophisticated accommodation, attention to detail and impeccable services. The hotel also has some fabulous dining options, which are absolute culinary delights. The hotel is the ideal venue in Colombo to hold conferences, birthday parties, intimate gatherings, and weddings. The hotel is most famous for hosting extravagant, lavish or intimate weddings.

Sri Lanka has all the necessary infra-structure to organize an international conference be small or large. In Colombo there are 3 modern conference and exhibition centers which cater to both large conferences for up to 2000 guests and exhibitions of any scale. The Liberty is first of its kind in Colombo. It is a sophisticated and a hi-tech system that gives light to any designer/ decorator/ event planners with over 16.7 million colors to choose from. The Bandaranayke Conference Hall is the first purpose –built conference center in Asia. It is an ideal venue for conferences, exhibitions, beauty pageants and many more other events.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world. Google+

Spartan Stadium Race – This is Sparta…Down Under!

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Offering athletes a chance to test their endurance and those interested in staying healthy an opportunity to engage in fun challenges, the Spartan Stadium Race in Sydney takes obstacle racing to a whole new level! The event which is billed as the country’s first stadium obstacle race is set to take place on 15th February, 2015 at the well known ANZ Stadium and participants and visitors in search of accommodation that is within easy reach can consider Sundowner Gardenia Motor Inn Bass Hill.

Organised by Spartan Race Australia, this stadium event features a number of challenges including a 5k+ obstacle course at this historic sports venue. With over 30 obstacles planned be it box jumps, stair climbs or sled pulls, the Spartan Stadium Race in Sydney is bound to test one’s resolve, while prize money is set at $ 6,000 for individual winners and team winners.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

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The New Zealand Herald New Year’s Day Races

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This New Year started out with the crème de la crème of New Zealand’s racing and society royalty gathering to witness what is arguably, the country’s best day of horse racing, the The New Zealand Herald New Year’s Day Races.

There was an outstanding six carry black-type status of the 10 races that were held on the 1st of January 2015, at the Ellerslie Racecourse which is situated just about 17 minutes from the renowned Country Comfort hotel by SilverNeedle hotels, a premier chain of hotels in Australia and New Zealand.

Not just an event limited to racing fanatics and elite socialites, the New Zealand Herald New Year’s Day Races featured free entertainment for the kids as well, that included a Tip Top Popsicle Planet, New Zealand Herald Giant Games and Ellerslie Swingball Park.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

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Hong Kong Halloween Treats – Most extravagant Halloween celebrations in Asia

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Hong Kong is known world over for their over the top, fancy Halloween celebrations, with crumbling walled villages, creaky Victorian mansions, and thousands of years of folklore populated with ghosts, ghouls and demons. The city’s unique history where East meets West means that European festivals, including all Halloween’s eve are deeply enriched in its cultural fabric. The Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong at Wan Chai Hong Kong is a fabulous four-star hotel which is conveniently located midway between causeway Bay’s major entertainment and shopping Attractions. This hotel also provides a convenient place for everyone who is visiting Hong Kong to have a truly Hong Kong style Halloween experience with decorated shopping malls, themed menus, raucous street parties. There are widely howling street blowouts, parades and shows to fun sugar trick and treat antics for the kids, where there is a spooky cheer for all to enjoy.

Hong Kong Disneyland is one of the best parades in Asia, with a headless horseman and trick or treating with Mickey and the gang. There are many haunted mansions or rather hotels and creepy surprises all around the land. Ocean Park has one of the biggest parades with over 400 costumed characters, 20 haunted attractions as well as street shows and entertainment. The star attraction is the 3D haunted house at Ocean Park. The decorations are quite beautiful when set against the central’s skyscraper city. There are many food stalls for everyone to enjoy just street food and many other themed menus. There will be ghosts, as well as games , so that the kids will be coming out to try their trick or treat skills.

Asian Surfing Championship 2014 in North Male Atoll

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The exotic isle of Maldives recently hosted its first open surfing event at Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, a popular Maldives island resort. The event witnessed by locals and foreigners alike was held at Lohis Point, in the Northern Atoll and was organized in collaboration with the Maldives Body Boarding Association (MBBA) and the Asian Surfing championship (ASC).

Home to the best surfing waves of the Maldivian archipelago, this surfers’ paradise was an ideal location to host the event. A total of 56 competitors ranging from resident to tourist surfers showcased their talent in three categories-the Men’s open, Women’s open and BodyBoarding. Garut Widiarta, Rina Kitazawa of Japan and Gavin Botha won the first place respectively. The winner was offered a cash prize of 15,000 USD.

A great initiative taken to promote and popularise surfing and body boarding, the event will be held annually in the Maldives.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

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