Sri Lanka is a beautiful island paradise that has to be on a travellers list. Without this place, any list is deemed incomplete. The people, the culture and so much more is something all tourists look forward to. Through not hailing from a Christian culture, Sri Lanka has strong influences of the Christianity and Catholicism due to colonial rule that governed the island in the past. There is a rich heritage left behind and therefore many Sri Lankans today celebrate the globally renowned festival of Christmas. Christmas in Sri Lanka is a great time of the year owing to the wonderful tropical climate and beautiful island. Christmas and New Year celebrations happen mostly on beachside simply because Sri Lanka is an island paradise and surrounded …

Renowned as Asia’s Christmas epicenter, the metropolitan landscapes of the Lion City transforms into a winter wonderland, come the month of December. Perfectly suited for those who wish to spend a Christmas in a tropical paradise, the month-long programme of festivities organized by the city this year offers visitors from around the world a rage of yuletide attractions infused with plenty of Christmas spirit. One of the must-have experiences in Singapore during the Christmas season is of course a tour of the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ “Walk the Trees of the World” enclosure where the pathway from the Bandstand to the Tanglin Core showcases an impressive 200 Christmas trees. Dubbed “tropical” Christmas trees, the elaborately decorated trees each represent a culture and country displaying the national …

The colourful celebration of Deepavali is one of the most significant festivals for Hindu communities around the world. The Hindu faithful form a significant proportion of the residents of Singapore and are concentrated in the neighbourhood of Little India. Deepavali or the Festival of Lights as the occasion is also known occurs in the latter part of the year and is much looked forward to. The festival celebrates good overcoming evil and the victory of light over darkness. There are many legends associated with this occasion. The story goes that there was once a tyrannical ruler called Narakasura who oppressed his subjects. The people appealed to Lord Krishna for help and the deity duly vanquished and killed the tyrant. To welcome the victorious Lord Krishna …

Bangkok is the lively capital that forms an exciting part of Thailand’s unique landscape, and it sees millions of visitors each year, who pursue business or leisure in this intriguing tropical metropolis. Central accommodation is not hard to find, especially if you are seeking one of the quality luxury hotels Bangkok has to offer its visitors. An elegant Bangkok hotel option comes in the form of the Anantara Bangkok Sathorn which is the ideal city retreat as it offers five star interiors with easy access to world-class shopping and entertainment options. If you’re in the city in the month of November, be prepared with witness a marvelous local tradition that is a visual feast: the Loi Krathong Festival. Translating to “Floating Decoration”, “Floating Boat” or …

Considered the holy month of fasting, Ramazan or Ramadan as it is also referred to, is a sacred time for Muslims the world over including in Oman. Those heading to the sultanate and looking for well placed Oman hotels from which to soak up the local culture during this time can consider Ruwi Hotel Muscat. Conveniently located in the heart of the capital, this hotel in Muscat provides easy access to the city and is a great place from which to begin your adventures. As in other Muslim countries, in Oman too fasting begins from sunrise and lasts till sunset. It is a time of prayer and reflection and is followed by all Muslims. Business hours during this period are often shortened or altered. Social gatherings and meetings usually …

Arafat day, or Day of Arafat, occurs on the 9th day of the pilgrimage to the holy site of Mecca, and it is believed to stand as the day on which the religion has been perfected. When you visit Abu Dhabi during this time, consider checking into a spa resort Abu Dhabi has to offer its international visitors, such as the Anantara Al Yamm. Providing a soothing experience in the middle of the desert, these villas in Abu Dhabi are fine oases for some welcome rejuvenation. Especially in the aftermath of Arafat Day, as it is a day of fasting and devotion as Muslims worldwide choose this time to ask Allah (the Arabic word for God) for forgiveness and ultimate salvation. The act of fasting …