Author Archives: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

Let Your Hair Down In Nightlife Hub Abu Dhabi

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With something to offer all cultures, age groups, interests and palates Abu Dhabi is a city brimming with possibilities when it comes to night time excursions and pleasant distractions. From a quiet stroll along the Corniche to elegant restaurants, thumping nightclub floors, spirited live performances and a host of exhibitions and concerts, this Arabian city leaves little to the imagination when the sun goes down.

With a great number of its malls open till the wee hours of the night, one would assume that shopping was all there is to do in Abu Dhabi once the day comes to a close. But food connoisseurs worldwide highly recommend the city’s gastronomical offerings which range from European, Continental, Latin and Far Eastern to delectable Arabic fare. Those in the mood for a little bit of everything can head down to the buffets located in the Tourist Club area and Sheikh Zayed Street where an array of multi-ethnic treats are available while Corniche Road and the Breakwater region also offer mouth-watering buffets. Supermarket restaurants are also a popular option in the city while guests will also find their favourite international restaurant chains such as steak houses in the town. Coffee culture is also an integral part of the Abu Dhabi night scene as hordes of cosy cafes line the manicured streets of the city. Most coffee shops also offer refreshing Shishas in every conceivable flavour known to man and hotspots include Idioms down Corniche road and the Havana Cafe in Breakwater. Mawaweel and Ninar are also preferred coffee haunts where one is also likely to enjoy a la carte menus with sandwiches, freshly baked snacks and salads.
Home to a plethora of conventional Mexican and British bars expect to find multihued cocktails, snacks, vintage brandy varieties and authentic Arabic mezzes in the city’s pubs. One of the locale’s hottest nightclubs is Tequilana Discotheque located within the Hemingway Complex in West Corniche beach. With charming karaoke lounges and signature salsa nights, this chic venue lined with palm trees and huts offers a unique clubbing experience found nowhere else.
Theatre, concerts and comedy nights are also permanent fixtures in the Abu Dhabi social calendar. The venue of choice for the Abu Dhabi Classical Music Festival and the Carmen opera, concerts are usually organized by the Abu Dhabi Music & Art Foundation. The Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation also regularly plays hosts to cultural events, film festivals, art exhibitions, workshops and concerts by renowned artists all through the year. The city also has nearly 50 film screenings for the prestigious Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF) which is graced by a who’s who of the region’s celluloid world. Home to innumerable multiplexes, highlights include the 9 screen CineStar at the Marina Mall and the Abu Dhabi Mall’s Grand Cinema which houses 6 screens. Arabic and Indian films are all the rage at the Grand Cinema at Hamdan Centre which also features westerns in its five-screen multiplex.
When it comes to the best Abu Dhabi hotel deals no single establishment quite dominates the capital quite like the elegant Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi. Located within close range of the Marina Mall shopping centres and the famed Abu Dhabi Mall this stylish rest just 15km from the ADNEC Exhibition Centre is also one of the most advantageously positioned Abu Dhabi hotels in the region.

The Thai Beer Festival: Thailand’s ‘November-fest’

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Popular for its exciting array of food and beverages, Thailand is home to many fun-filled food festivals. One of the largest and most popular festivals celebrated in Bangkok each year is the Thai Beer Festival. Similar to the famous Oktoberfest celebrations held in Germany every year, the Thai Beer Festival is a way for Thai breweries to promote their products and beer-lovers to binge on some of world’s finest beers.
The Thai Beer Festival is celebrated with the setting up of many beer gardens around Bangkok. The largest and fanciest beer garden is found in front of the World Trade Centre at the Rajprasong Intersection. The festival is unique in its duration, commencing in the month of November and stretching on to mid-January. In this time period, local beer-lovers, expatriates and tourists visit the many beer gardens set up each weekend in some of Thailand’s most commercial areas. Also available at the Beer Festival are many mouth-watering and exotic Thai dishes. Barbecued meat and roast pork dishes are amongst some of the most popular attractions at this festival. A variety of music performances, from pop to jazz, are also featured at the beer gardens.
The annual Thai Beer Festival is indeed a time for all those in Thailand at the time to stay warm and have a good time during the monsoon season. The highlight of the event, the wide assortment of beer, come from some the best breweries and beer producers in Thailand and across the world. The average price of a pitcher of beer is relatively inexpensive, costing around 80-100 Baht. In order to promote their brands, beer producers often make value deals and special offers for beer at the festival. Some brands available at the festival include Singha, Heineken, Asahi and Beer Chang. Other well known beer gardens are set up at places such as the Discovery Centre on Siam Square, as SCB Park Plaza at Ratchayothin, The Mall Bangkapi, and Tesco Lotus Bangna.
Visitors to Thailand can take part in this fun-filled beer festival on any weekend from November to January. Accommodation at many Bangkok serviced apartments is comfortable and affordable. Those who wish to go to the largest beer garden in at the Central World Plaza can stay in a serviced apartment Bangkok, such as those in the plush Anantara Baan Rajprasong, Bangkok. Just a few minutes away from the beer garden, visitors can stay up all night, indulging in the best beer and food.

Time of Your Life – Full Moon Parties

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No one seems to know the origins of the full moon party but legend has it that some tourists found the most beautiful view of the full moon was from the crescent shaped beach at Haad Rin in Koh Phangan and decided to make use of the setting to throw a party. Since then, on every full moon ten to twenty thousand people get set to party on the beach at Koh Phangan. For die hard party goers the party is believed to start a day or two before the actual event. On the day of the full moon it gets into high gear from about 8 pm and lasts till noon the next day, depending on the energy level of the participants.
The party explodes as the evening progresses with various International and Thai DJs keeping the neon painted crowd grooving on the beach, pulsating to music at several venues and pumping out all kinds of different musical genres ranging from techno, trance, drum & base, reggae, dub and commercial hits on about fifteen sound systems along the beach. Powerful walls of speakers throw out music that reverberates in every direction. By simply walking along the beach, party goers can choose the music they want to dance to.
Jugglers and fire eaters also entertain the crowd. An impromptu fireworks display is the highlight of the event. When revellers need a respite from all that dancing they can enjoy delicious Thai food, pasta, burgers, pizza and drinks served from beachfront restaurants on small tables laid out along the sand. Revellers can also wade into the warm waters of the ocean or simply sit on the beach enjoying the view of the glowing moon reflected in the water. Meet guys and gals from all over the world doing their thing and having a blast and this event is the perfect excuse to have a good time.
A cordoned off area is available for those that do not have the energy to get back to their beds, while bungalows are also available close by. There is no charge to attend the festival and no cover charge at the individual restaurants. These events have also spawned other parties such as the Black Moon and Half Moon parties.
Enjoy the luxury and comfort of a choice of spacious well designed accommodations that encourage total relaxation, views of palm fringed azure seas, well maintained facilities and amenities, excellent dining and drinking options and thoughtful service at the Anantara Lawana, Koh Samui. Located in a quiet area of town yet within easy reach of it, this Koh Samui resort is the ideal place for quiet enjoyment of its tropical environment and to experience the many in resort activities, invigorating spa treatments and area excursions, in fact something to suit every preference. Delivering on an excellent total package to inspire beautiful holiday memories, this Samui beach resort is amongst the most popular in an area with other exceptional properties.

Chilling out on a beach in Bohput

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Bophut is an idyllic little village that is located on Samui Island, 700 kilometres away from the bustling city of Thailand. Though upon hearing the name of this country, a thousand images spring to life Bophut is a far cry from the bright lights and the dancing girls of Bangkok. It offers a different kind of holiday experience, one that not only relaxes but one that also invigorates the body and mind. The island of Samui is actually a quite a large one and has a number of different beaches to chose from. The beaches of Lamai and Chaweng on the southern coast are more touristy and commercial while Bophut and Choeng Man on the northern coast are more laid back.

Among them the village of Bophut is one of the few places on Samui that still retains an air of authenticity. It is yet to be exploited commercially for its beautiful beaches and wonderful surf. The village is unmistakably Thai with no bright neon lights looking to enamour Western tourists.

One of the best places to head to on Bohput is Beach Road, the stretch really comes alive at night with traditional Chinese shop houses doing brisk business. Though maintaining the façade of traditional architecture, many of these establishments have modern interiors and are uber- chic bars and cafes. The strip clubs are conspicuous by their absence here. In truth Bohput offers are different class of night life one that is centred on a perfect sunset on the beach and a delicious gourmet dinner at a trendy restaurant.

The village has a got a few wonderful bars as well, among them is the Beatles Bar which is an excellent place to down a few cocktails and to listen to some soothing jazz tunes. Establishments such as the Frog and Gecko and The Pub draw in a more raucous crowd and are wonderful for a night out that involves football on a giant screen.

Despite its somewhat remote location Bophut can still be easily accessed by guests staying at a Samui Resort such as Anantara Bophut, Koh Samui. A Samui Hotel is an excellent place to stay for travelers looking to explore the unspoiled beaches on the northern coast of this island.

Minneapolis Nightlife – Experience the nighttime entertainment in Minneapolis

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Known as the “City of Lakes”, Minneapolis is the largest city in the State of Minnesota. Lying amidst the banks of the Mississippi River, the city is also known “Twin Cities” and “Mill City”. Abound with wetlands and lakes; it is the foremost business centre between Seattle and Chicago. Widely popular for its thriving art culture, its cultural organizations have drawn people from all over the country for its successful visual art, writing, music and theatre industries. Being such a bustling city, it comes as no surprise that Minneapolis nightlife is one of the main tourist attractions in the city, boasting of a number of spots to enjoy the night.

For those who enjoy performing arts, Minneapolis has more theatres than anywhere in the country, excluding New York City. One of the nation’s premier theatres is the Guthrie Theatre, which is known for its splendid shows by classical repertory companies. Travellers will be enthralled by its remarkable architecture, presenting a breathtaking vision that overlooks the vast expanses of the Mississippi River. For the traveller seeking other variety of entertainment, including comedy and contemporary music, there are a number of places that one could visit. A few of the places are The State, the Orpheum and the Pantages.

For the traveller in search of bars and nightclubs in Minneapolis, the Warehouse District is the ideal place to visit. Regarded as the heart of Minneapolis nightlife, the Warehouse District attracts a large number of tourists and travellers, especially during the weekends. It is famously known as the venue featured in the the music video of Purple Rain by Prince. For contemporary jazz music, visit the Dakota Jazz Club, famed for its intimate atmosphere, coupled with great dining options. Located downtown, it regularly hosts performances by internationally acclaimed jazz musicians as well as budding artists and local artists. Known for attracting diverse cultures, Babalú is a Spanish and Latin American music venue, which plays Afro-Cuban jazz, bossa nova and flamenco music. In addition, travellers can look forward to sampling some of the finest delicacies of Cuban Cuisine.

There are many hotels in downtown Minneapolis for the traveller interested in visiting Minnesota. Among the finest Minneapolis hotels is Millennium Hotel Minneapolis, located in close proximity to the major attractions in the city, including shopping, entertainment, dining and nightlife destinations.

Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, a motorsport sensation

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The sensational Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is amongst the globe’s most renowned and esteemed cross country motorsport rallies. Formerly known as the UAE Desert Challenge, which was acclaimed as one of the world’s premier rallies, it was given its current name when the five-day motorsport extravaganza was restructured so that it would be conducted entirely in the emirate of Abu Dhabi under the control of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. It is still managed by the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE.

The spectacular sight of the four wheel drive vehicles, trucks, motorcycles and quad bikes braving the desert terrain with their power and speed is a sight that will fire the imagination of every automobile enthusiast. These mighty vehicles will brave the elements just as they did in the past, except that they will feature solely in Abu Dhabi’s magnificent desert landscape.

To participate in the competition contestants must go through two days in which documentation and inspections will be completed. Next a Super Special Stage is conducted, usually on a Sunday which finalizes the starting order for the main event. The sensational rally then takes place, with the competitors taking on the challenge of negotiating the Liwa Desert and the Empty Quarter’s Moreeb area over five action-packed days.

In the past the Desert Challenge was the season ending event for the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship and the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup, but it is now the season opener for these series. In the course of time it is thought that the Challenge will consolidate Abu Dhabi’s standing as a significant destination for tourism and a hub for sporting events.

The Challenge is the brainchild of Mohammed Ben Sulayem, 14 time winner of the Middle East Rally Championship. He remains the Organizing Chairman of the event in addition to holding high posts in motorsports bodies. Under Ben Sulayem’s able guidance the spectacular Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is set to achieve still greater heights, placing the emirate firmly on the list of the world’s best motorsports destinations.

When selecting a hotel in Abu Dhabi selective traveller will be thrilled by the Kingsgate Hotel Abu Dhabi. One of the convenient hotels in Abu Dhabi this fine accommodation provides all the facilities required by today’s traveller.

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Experience the World’s First Ferrari Theme Park at Abu Dhabi’s Ferrari World

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If one has recurring dreams of blasting past speed limits in a million dollar Italian sports car, there is now a way to realise that fantasy without breaking the bank as the world’s first Ferrari theme park is geared to open in captivating Abu Dhabi at the heart of the Emirates. Being tipped as one of the most highly anticipated events in the calendar, the first of its kind theme park is set to cruise into the history books as one of the most innovative and revolutionary attractions on the globe. Providing visitors a glimpse into the Ferrari lifestyle and its secrets to success, the park packs in 20 gravity defying rides and attractions that exhibit the power, passion and technical excellence that has come to be expected of the world’s leading Italian sports car manufacturer.

Housed beneath the iconic Ferrari emblem shaped roof that spreads out over 200,000 square meters, the 930,000 square foot venue is also the largest indoor theme park on the planet. The main attractions at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi includes the world’s fastest rollercoaster Formula Rossa which travels at break neck speeds of up to 240kmph and the Speed of Magic 4D journey. Other highlights include the flume ride to the centre of a 12 cylinder engine dubbed V12 and the G- Force tower ride which takes visitors through the red roof of the parkland to 62 m above ground before plunging back to earth experiencing the G-force experienced inside a Ferrari vehicle.

Made in Maranello is an interesting virtual trip behind-the-scenes to the inner workings of a Ferrari factory while Viaggio in Italia takes guests on a virtual tour of famed Italian landmarks as they engage in a hot pursuit of a Ferrari. The Fiorano GT Challenge rollercoaster and Scuderia Challenge simulator experience are also some of the park’s most innovative points of interest in addition to the recreation of Italian landscapes in Bell’Italia and the Ferrari motor home encounter in Paddock. The globe’s biggest Ferrari gallery outside of Italy is also located here while Driving with Champions and Cinema Maranello offer interactive theatre shows that are also worth watching for their inspiring story telling techniques and true-to- life representations. Racing Legends is also a treat for all Formula One fans as the ride takes guests through the greatest moments in the history of Ferrari victories at the event. State-of- the-art driving training schools and training session with simulated Grand Prix experiences are available at the Junior Training Camp, Junior GT and Junior Grand Prix while never before seen Ferrari models are on display at the Carousel. A plethora of concept eateries and signature stores also line the theme park offering customized souvenirs and authentic Italian delicacies.

Those on the lookout for a luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi can find no better alternative to the Kingsgate Hotel Abu Dhabi. Pleasantly situated within minutes of the Abu Dhabi Mall close to the city’s CBD this idyllic rest is also one of the most conveniently located hotels in Abu Dhabi.

Entertainment in New York, always exciting

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New York City, perhaps America’s most prominent metropolis, offers a myriad of entertainment options for the curious visitor. There is something on offer for every traveller regardless of taste or inclination.

Theater and dance have always been a New York specialty with a bewildering array of options for the visitor. The city’s renowned Broadway Theater has gained a reputation for presenting the finest dramatic productions in the English-speaking world. Many of the leading theaters are situated in the famed Theater District and host globally renowned productions each evening. Theater enthusiasts will naturally wish to experience the authentic Broadway experience, with outstanding big budget dramatic offerings available for the enthusiast. These features typically feature skilled professional actors with famous stars sometimes making an appearance. New York also offers less expensive productions for those on a tighter budget. The performances of acclaimed dance companies are another local highlight.

New York nightlife has always been one of the city’s major attractions. Dance clubs provide an opportunity for enthusiastic dancers to show off their best moves. The city is renowned as the hub of the jazz world, with many of the greats of the genre having made their mark here. Young hopefuls flock to the city in hope of recognition, providing great entertainment for jazz lovers.

Live popular music is featured at many clubs, with established names as well as aspiring newcomers providing great sounds for the follower of rock music. Another local highlight is the numerous comedy clubs which offer irresistible humor.

New York also presents an extensive array of first-class museums featuring architecture, art, natural history, photography, technology, radio and television. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art are just two of these fine institutions.

Sporting events attract a huge following in New York City, with some of the world’s most acclaimed sporting teams being based here. Baseball’s Yankees and Mets, football’s Giants and Jets as well as basketball’s Knicks and Liberty are based in New York.

The visitor seeking New York City luxury hotels will find an ideal accommodation in The Premier Hotel, one of the excellent four star hotels Manhattan offers.

Shake a leg to the grooviest New York tunes

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The Midsummer Nights Swing provides the ideal relief for those who have an itch to dance the night away. Since its establishment 22 years ago, the Lincoln Centre New York demarcates 3 weeks annually, usually in the months of June or July for the event which brings together music lovers, dance lovers and fun lovers for a night of music and dancing under the stars.

Originally located at Josie Robertson’s Plaza, the event was shifted to Damrosch Park last year which has certainly widened up the horizon for more participants. The new location has a more accommodating floor plan, with wide, sprawling spaces and a spacious dance floor. Seating around the arena of sorts also affords a larger number of non dancing participants to sit back and enjoy.

Although titled a ‘swing’ the event includes a dance move for everyone. Jitter bugging, Shim-shaming, Lindy Hoping, and the more recent Tango, Salsa and namesake Swing all have a place during the three week span. Each night starts off at 6.30 pm with dance lessons in the varied forms of dance styles. Interested dancers in all stages even rookies are most welcome and professional trainers are on hand to help you out. Live music kicks in at 7.30 pm where participants then get to practice their new found skills and talents or else just shake a leg to the beat in any old style. The live music aspect sees many renowned as well as beginner bands and deejays take to the stage.

Vendors selling food and beverages inside the park premises ensure that the event can be a family event enjoyed by all. Tickets are usually priced between $15 – 17 and include the dance lessons and access to the main dance floor during the live music session. Of course being an open air event many people also opt to simply enjoy the music in their own way on the fringes.

If you’re travels take you through New York during this annual swing event then be sure to grab a seat to the party! If such travelers seek New York City Luxury hotels from which to base themselves then The Premier Hotel is in an ideal location and is one of the best four star hotels Manhattan offers.

Celebrate the Arts at the Big Apple’s One and Only Fringe Festival

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Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2011 the New York International Fringe Festival is undoubtedly one of the Big Apple’s most highly anticipated arts festivals of the year. Dubbed the largest event of its kind in North America FringeNYC is renowned for its diverse and multi-faceted repertoire that includes the active participation of over 200 arts, theatre and performance arts companies from across the globe. Taking place in 20 venues scattered across New York for 16 days this annual melee of artistic expression has become a highlight in the city’s cultural calendar with over 75,000 visitors from far and wide heading to the Big Apple to be a part of the festival.

Established in 1996 this one of a kind festival is the brainchild of John Clancy, Elena K. Holy, Aaron Beall and Jonathan Harris. Complete with every conceivable type of performance art matter such as stand-up comedies, musicals, plays, magic shows and even mimes the bulk of the festival’s headlining acts take the stage in 19 downtown theatres as well as locations spread out across the Lower East Side, Greenwich Village, the East Village and downtown Manhattan.

Divided in to sub-events namely FringeU( educational material), FringeAL FRESCO (free outdoor events) , FringeART (art shows), FringeJR ( events for children ), FringeHIGH (events for young adults) and FringeCLUB (after-show events for audiences and artists) the over 1200 performances at FringeNYC truly does include something for every spectrum of society.

The acts on show at the FringeNYC are selected by a jury unlike other Fringe festivals and nearly 200 shows are thereby selected to be performed at the festival while 20 out of these are then chosen for the FringeNYC Encore Series which takes place for 2 weeks in September.

Noteworthy shows that made its debut at FringeNYC include Debbie Does Dallas musical, the Broadway sensation Urinetown and The Black Rider while the Collective:Unconscious and Charlie Victor Romeo also won audiences over with their groundbreaking adaptations.

Those in search of elegant Manhattan 4 star hotels will be more than satisfied with The Premier Hotel. Just a stone’s throw away from Times Square and within minutes from over 21 Broadway theatres this stylish rest is also one of the most conveniently located New York City luxury hotels in Manhattan.