Author Archives: pushpitha

Enjoying a Traditional Tea Ceremony in Shanghai

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Those looking to experience traditional elements of Shanghai’s cultural heritage should definitely try to take part in a tea ceremony. If you want to truly explore the city while at the same time indulge in some luxury pampering, then staying at a  Boutique hotel Shanghai such as 88 Xintiandi, Shanghai is a good option. Fearing luxurious residences in Shanghai, this stylish business hotel in Shanghai can be found in the lively Xintiandi entertainment district. A tea ceremony in Shanghai lets you enjoy watching traditional rituals and customs that go into preparing tea as in days of old. This includes smelling the tea before it is prepared, steeping methods and even how to properly ‘taste’ the tea. There are a variety of teas that can be used including oolong tea, green tea and black tea each with their own aroma and taste that is sure to soothe your soul!

Wai Khru – The Festival of Tattoos

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Body art is a rather controversial art form that is often associated with modern pop culture. But many cultures across the world have used tattoos and body art to separate tribes and mark status. For the Thai, they have a magical and religious significance, with each marking giving a certain property to the wearer.

Every March the devotees of Wat Bang Phra, a temple specializing in these spiritual tattoos, flock to take part in the mass tattooing ceremony of Wai Khru or ‘Honour the Teacher’. Hundreds of people solemnly stand in line waiting to be marked with a design that carries with a unique spirit or property. It is believed that some have protective properties and the ability to repel attacks. The intricate designs come in forms of tiered pagodas, animal motifs and symbols from a mixture of Buddhist, Hindu and Brahmin beliefs. The pattern is first drawn on the skin and permanently marked with a long sharp needle dipped in ink tapped on the skin.

Sometimes as tattoos are finished, the wearer will go into a trance brought in by the spirit of the tattoo. People growl like animals, run through the streets and shake violently, many mimicking the animals in their tattoos. Volunteers and other onlookers restrain these devotees and try to bring them out of the trance. The ceremony is brought to a peaceful end in the evening with the monks showering the gathered with blessed water for protection and good luck.

The Thai tattoo culture is becoming increasingly popular among tourists with an interest in anthropology and body art. Although the temple at Wat Bang Phra is one of several such tattooing temples in Bangkok the festival of Wai Khru attracts a large crowd to its grounds. Situated near the city, it can be accessed easily from any Bangkok resort.

Thailand is also renowned for its traditional Ayurvedic treatments, a feature that can be enjoyed from many 5 star hotels in Bangkok. With wonderful views of the city across the river, luxurious amenities and relaxing atmosphere, the Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa is a great spot to unwind after a long day of discovering Thailand.

In the Whirl of Things – Bolimalaafath Neshun Folk Dance

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One of the best ways to get acquainted with the people of a country is through their music and dance. Folk dances make this possible as they are performed by members of the public at social gatherings and are performed to traditional music that has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. However not all traditional dances can be deemed folk dances as some have ritualistic origins and others are court dances.

Although small in size the Maldives has a rich cultural heritage and its songs and dances are a window to the history and culture of its people. While many of its dances reflect the influences of neighbouring nations and visiting travelers and merchants, the Maldives has several dances that are quite home grown. Since the Maldives had a royal court up till 1968, the songs and dances also reflect the influence of the royal court as many of the songs and dances had their beginnings there.

Bolimalaafath Neshun folk dance for instance, performed exclusively by women is based on the practice of offering gifts to the sultan during festivals. The gifts take the form of beautiful shells which were a valued commodity during ancient times. They are put in specially decorated and packaged boxes or vase known as the Kurandi Malaafath. A group of 24 women dressed in colourful traditional attire that have been perfumed by passing them through burning incense, dance and sing as a group to the accompaniment of traditional music and break off into groups of twos, threes and fours that step forward during the dance to present the gifts to the sultan. The songs generally express sentiments of patriotism or loyalty. Although there is no sultan anymore the dance, an important part of the country’s culture is still performed on occasion, though without the gifts.

Stay at the Anantara Kihava Maldives Villas to experience an idyllic tropical beach holiday. One of exceptional Maldives resorts guests are offered a luxurious collection of beach and over water villas and residences that ensures privacy and tranquility, key ingredients for a relaxing holiday. If detoxifying, and rejuvenating is high on the agenda, then this hotel, one of key Maldives spa resorts can offer a series of the latest treatments using natural ingredients that will leave no doubt as to the efficacy of its treatments.

Festival des Arts Martiaux – An adrenaline pumping experience

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The Martial Arts Festival of Paris better known as Le Festival des Arts Martiaux is a rare festival that brings all of the world’s greatest martial arts techniques to a single arena. However, one must simply lodge in a luxury hotel Paris to fully witness this momentous occasion. Le Royal Monceau Paris is a 5 star hotel Paris that is known for its class, elegance and the ultimate luxuries that it offers each and every one of its guests, taking care to pamper them in every way possible. The Paris experience is simply not complete without a visit to this hotel that is spinning out legends as we speak.

This is one adrenaline pumping event to almost everyone who enjoys a good fight. Every year 15,000 visitors come to the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy to witness this grand gathering and to see with their own eyes the many tactics of the masters of the art. From Europe to Japan, China to Brazil, the very best are portrayed here and it must be emphasised that this indeed is the place to be for all ardent martial arts fans all over the world.

Food Talk – The Annual Phuket Seafood Festival

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August seems to be the month when Phuket goes mad about seafood. For two days in the middle of the month Phuket is the ‘go to’ place to sample the succulent seafood of Thailand. With the motto of ‘Good Taste Best Price’ the annual Phuket Seafood Festival aims to showcase the variety of seafood found around Phuket. Visitors can sample an array of discounted seafood dishes prepared in various styles by chefs from food shops and restaurants of the island. Adding to the buzz is Phuket Lobster Week that promotes lobster like no other. The festivals aims to introduce visitors to a wide range of seafood dishes and it is certainly the best time to sample the seafood that one has always wanted to try.

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Visitors can taste the signature dishes of restaurants and food shops all over town from the best places to street food stalls. Food is cheap and it is also a wonderful opportunity to try Thai specialties like fish grilled on coconut husks served with tamarind sauce to delicious regional cuisine and a range of international dishes to be washed down with beverages ranging from beer to Chinese tea, fresh juices and coffee. Seafood markets especially along the beach offer fresh catches daily for those who want to try out their own favourite recipes. Various preparations of all kinds of sea food are available at more than 60 venues from 3 in the afternoon to 10 pm. For cost conscious diners discounts of 50% are available between 7.30 and 8 pm. Entertainment is provided via competitions for bar tending involving some neat tricks with bottles and glasses, imaginative vegetable carvings, table decorations and cooking classes by well known chefs, attended by some of Phuket’s finest service staff in action. The seafood festival is a delicious way to be introduced to the delights of a country, a gastronomical one in this case.

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Enjoy a stretch of the widest sandy beach, quiet sunny days and panoramas of ocean, exotic tropical gardens and jungle at Anantara Phuket Resort Thailand. The range of well appointed, contemporary pool villas at this Phuket resort ensures privacy and relaxation for individuals, couples and families. Whether it is diving in clear blue water, taking an elephant trek through rain forests or tasting delicious Thai cuisine, guests at this Phuket beach resort are guaranteed a wonderful holiday experience.

Vietnamese Lunar New Year the most important festival in Vietnam

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As a refreshing substitute to a hotel, Somerset Ho Chi Minh City offers its guests a resort-type retreat with beautiful and spacious peaceful apartments in Ho Chi Minh City. So if anyone is searching for Serviced Residence in Ho Chi Minh City the Somerset Ho Chi Minh should be definitely considered. If you’re in Vietnam during the early months of the year make sure that you witness the Vietnamese Lunar New Year which is a unique experience.

Vietnam Tet Holiday

The Vietnamese Lunar New Year also known as Tết or Tết Nguyên Đán is the most important festival celebrated throughout Vietnam. This festival marks the arrival of spring. It takes place on the first day of the first month of the Lunar Calendar. Many Vietnamese people get ready for this festival by preparing cleaning the houses and preparing special holiday food. This is the season for family reunions and pilgrims, forgetting their past and hoping for the coming year to be prosperous and blessed.

Experience the Rich Islamic Culture in Abu Dhabi’s

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Set on a waterfront, Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi is one of the Hotel in Abu Dhabi which provides modern accommodation to all its guests. The beauty of this hotel and the hospitality has become the reason that this hotel is opted over other Accommodation Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi is a country where Islam is the main root.

Even the rules and regulations of the country are based on the Islamic religion. There are mosques all over the country where all people are religious. All over the city all religious needs are facilitated. It is hard for anyone else to work and live in Abu Dhabi without having any knowledge or respect towards the Islamic religion.

Spring Lantern Festival – Love is in the Air!

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Taking place on the final day of the Chinese New Year, the Spring Lantern Festival is a time for couples to celebrate love and this is particularly true in Hong Kong. If you are looking for a centrally located luxury hotel in Hong Kong from which to soak up the enchanting atmosphere associated with the festival, then The Langham Hong Kong makes an ideal option. Situated in Kowloon’s Tsimshatsui area, this 5 star hotel Hong Kong is within easy reach of transport services that let you easily explore the city. Traditionally held on the 15th day of the 1st lunar month, the Spring Lantern Festival is also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day and is a great time for couples to express their love. On this day it is customary that colourful and beautifully decorated lanterns be put up throughout the city including parks and markets. This lends to the romantic ambience in which to enjoy a leisurely walk with your loved one, or even begin a journey looking for that special someone to share your heart with!

Pay homage to spirits of the water-Loy Kratong

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Anantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort is one of the world renowned hotels located in the beach front of the amazing city Hua Hin. With the luxury accommodation facilities available this hotels is among the top of Hua Hin Hotels. Even though there is a wide range of Beach Hotels Hua Hin Thailand, this hotel offers more unique services and facilities to their guests who are on leisure trips or even business trips.

If you are visiting Hua Hin during the month of November, taking part in the Loi Krathong festival is a must. Loi Krathong or the Floating Crown festival is annually celebrated to pay respect to the goddess of the waters. A raft with a diameter of hand span is floated down the river; usually these are made out of the banana trunk. In order to protect the environment bread rafts have been introduced. These rafts are lit with candles and when all float down the river it creates a magical atmosphere to all the viewers.

Apart from thanking the goddess of water it is said that the candle respects the Buddha with light, floating the raft or Krathong symbolizes letting go of all one’s hate, rage, and befoulments.

Noppamas Queen Contests is a beauty contests that accompanies the festival which includes vibrant colours and such adding value to the already glamorous Loi Krathong festival.

Spring Lantern Festival – Love is in the Air!

Posted on by

Taking place on the final day of the Chinese New Year, the Spring Lantern Festival is a time for couples to celebrate love and this is particularly true in Hong Kong. If you are looking for a centrally located luxury hotel in Hong Kong from which to soak up the enchanting atmosphere associated with the festival, then The Langham Hong Kong makes an ideal option. Situated in Kowloon’s Tsimshatsui area, this 5 star hotel Hong Kong is within easy reach of transport services that let you easily explore the city. Traditionally held on the 15th day of the 1st lunar month, the Spring Lantern Festival is also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day and is a great time for couples to express their love. On this day it is customary that colourful and beautifully decorated lanterns be put up throughout the city including parks and markets. This lends to the romantic ambience in which to enjoy a leisurely walk with your loved one, or even begin a journey looking for that special someone to share your heart with!