Bali has over the years acquired a strong reputation as a premier holiday destination. Visitors desiring a Bali luxury spa resort will find a commendable choice in the COMO Shambhala Estate Bali. This fine accommodation offers luxurious rooms and attentive hospitality. The people of Bali belong to different ethnic groups and religions, and there is a strong Muslim community in this Indonesian island. In Bali as in Islamic communities around the world the Muslim faithful observe a number of special practices at this esteemed time of the year. Idul Adha falls during the time of the conclusion of the yearly Haj pilgrimage to the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia which is a fundamental element of Islam. At this time extensive prayer sessions are conducted in mosques as …

A beautiful festival that dates back to at least 100 consecutive years and considered to be a ritual of the Mahayana Buddhism is held in the month of August. If you are planning a holiday at a Bangkok resort, you could consider a stay at Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa that lies in close proximity to the venue of this festival. When travelling to Bangkok on either business or pleasure during august, you could visit the Suphanburi province and witness this spectacular festival which is bound to be a stress reliever. Many poor people attend this parade for free meals and the other provisions. There are different parts included in this spectacular parade, a few being the Chinese exhibitions, donations offered to the Chinese monks that makes …

Travellers in search of five-star Siem Reap accommodation will be more than pleased with the Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa. Providing guests with a central location this idyllic rest offers modern amenities to suit business travellers as well as holidaymakers. Renowned as one of Cambodia’s most sacred religious festivals the marking of Pchum Ben or Ancestor’s Day holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Khmer residents the world over. This annual religious ceremony in Cambodia falls on the 15th day of the 10th month in the Khmer calendar with dates in the Georgian calendar alternating between the months of September and October. The 2013 Pchum Ben festival for example was marked from the 3rd to the 5th of October while the dates of this year’s …

Falling on the 15th day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar, the Hungry Ghost Festival which is referred to as ‘Yu Lan’ by the locals involves one thrilling spectacle. It’s certainly not your local rendition of Halloween but this festival is closely associated with ancestor worship. Should you be holidaying at a Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong such as Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong during this time, consider taking in the sights and sounds of this festival. Also held to appease the spirits, locals can be seen busily engaged in burning faux money, tending fires by the road and making offerings to their ancestors who have long since passed into the after world. Amongst the charitable deeds, visitors will also have the opportunity to watch Chinese operas being …

Visakha Bucha or Vesak is one of most important annual events among Buddhists in Thailand as it commemorates Gautama Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and ‘parinirvana’. According to Theravada Buddhist teachings these three events took place on the first full moon day in the 6th lunar month of Wisaka. This is one of the busiest days in Bangkok despite everything being shut down as Buddhists come to take part in public religious events and to be with family and friends. On this day the city’s Governor leads the people in giving alms to monks, Buddha relics are moved from the Grand Palace so that people can pay homage and members of the Thai royal family join the people to commemorate the event. Citadenes Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok, adjacent to …

Travellers in search of luxurious Abu Dhabi hotels will find no finer alternative to the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Conveniently situated in a strategic location this stylish rest serves as the perfect base from which to explore the metropolis that is Abu Dhabi. As a melting pot of varied cultures the thriving desert holiday destination of Abu Dhabi is no light weight when it comes to engaging, local celebrations. Populated by immigrants and expats from around the world the vibrant diversity of Abu Dhabi is put on display each year with colorful religious festivals hosted by various communities in Abu Dhabi society. As one of the most progressive and religiously tolerant Islamic nations in the world this bustling metropolis is a shining example to the …