The Republic of Maldives is known for its natural beauty and if you are planning to visit this mesmerizing island you should also be aware of their holidays which revolve around and are influenced by the Islamic faith. Every religious festival and national occasions are celebrated with the same enthusiasm and a sense of unity emanates from these enthusiastic celebrations. Ramadan is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar and Muslims fast for 30 days during this period and it is considered one of the most important events in this country. Maldives being a predominantly Muslim nation, the government offices in this country open between 9 am and 1.30 pm and private offices close by 3:00 pm. At the end of Ramadan, Eid festival is …

Kandy is an ancient and renowned city, with more than one UNESCO Heritage site featured within the city. The greatest celebration of Kandy’s immense historical heritage is the Esala procession, referred to as the Esala Perahera. The parade is so popular and widely celebrated that people from all over the island will flock to Kandy in order to witness the procession, and almost any luxury hotel, Sri Lanka has to offer such as the Anantara Kalutara Resort is sure to have packages to allow their visitors to experience this incredible experience. The procession features the full spectrum of traditional Sri Lankan dances, encompassing fire-dances, whip dancers, colourful Kandyan dancers among much more. One of the hallmarks of the procession are the extravagantly decorated elephants that …

Thailand is a country that is doused with colourful traditions and a rich heritage, and perhaps the most unique of all her traditions, is the Sea Gypsy Boat Floating Festival, a bi-annual event that occurs during the middle of the 6th and 11th lunar months. If you wish to witness this remarkable celebration then you are going to have to travel to Phuket Thailand, which is the only the only place the festivities occur. Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and therefore it comes as no surprise that it has a variety of accommodation options for you to choose from, ranging from budget bed and breakfasts, to the highly sought after Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas. The island of Phuket has an economy that has come …

The city of Bangkok is visited by many with leisure in mind and a Sathorn leisure hotel is ideal in this respect as it provides a tranquil getaway from the fast paced city while being conveniently accessible. Relaxation in Bangkok comes very easy, whether it is shopping one prefers, exploring the city’s spectacular sights or opting for a dining cruise down Chao Phraya River, such as the cruise organised by Anantara Sathorn Bangkok Hotel. Such a cruise is a wonderful way to take in the Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, and the Grand Palace for these attractions are beautifully lit up at night. Those who wish to leave the frantic pace of the world behind and immerse themselves in Thai culture can also …

The Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is a Chinese harvest festival celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. It is generally celebrated during the last week of September or early October and includes a multitude of colorful cultural celebrations which can also be experienced on Bangkok cruises, such as those offered by Anantara Cruises, Thailand. The Moon Festival is celebrated in Thailand as well, and one of the fascinating features about the celebrations is the culinary delights. Mooncakes You can’t celebrate the Moon Festival without making Mooncakes – at least that’s what Thai tradition dictates. Thus, Mooncakes are considered to be one of the main culinary creations during the Moon Festival. Mooncakes are essentially thin-crust pastries wrapped around a sweet …

The most prominent meeting place in Melbourne is undoubtedly the Federation Square. The area is a blend of culture and attractions as well as many museums, restaurants, galleries and the likes. The square is also considered as the premier events and functions venue of the city. There are over 2000 events that are held in the Federation Square on an annual basis. These events may include markets, various festivals that celebrate diverse cultures, film screenings and even sporting festivals. The venue has the capacity to accommodate 10,000 people at one time. However, for most Melbourne officials and corporations who wish to hold any business meetings indoors, there are many conference facilities in Melbourne such as the Oaks On Collins and many other venues to choose …