Each year on the 13th of March elephants in Thailand have a special day all to themselves. On this day they do not have to toil for their keep. Elephant day was first mooted in 1998 and is now firmly established as an important national event. Celebrations start a week ahead mainly to draw attention to efforts for elephant conservation and to protect their disappearing habitat. Each region, resort, elephant camp and conservation centre has their own programmes for commemorating Elephant Day. One of the best outcomes of the day is seeing a large number of elephants in one place looking as if they enjoy the attention. On this special day many events are organized to honour and express appreciation for the animal that has …

Chinese New Year is a widely celebrated festival – celebrated either in the month of January or February, depending on the lunar calendar. All around the world, hundreds of communities celebrate this time by lighting beautiful lanterns, conducting parades and spending time as a community or family. The streets are lit up in beautiful lanterns, decorated with Chinese calligraphy. People adorn themselves with new clothes and give gifts to children. Shops offer special deals on all items. For nights on end, long dancing dragons fill the street in the traditional dragon parades, which also feature acrobats and dancers. Fireworks light up the night sky and the streets are filled with the colour red, which is said to be able to ward off beasts. The Chinese …

New Year’s Eve is a time for letting go, for releasing inhibitions and for having fun. It is a time for fresh beginnings for those who want to shed the old and begin the new, to live up to aspirations and make much needed changes. For those who want the year ahead to be filled with excitement and adventure, where better to greet the New Year than on an exotic holiday that is filled with fun and entertainment. An exciting place to be for the celebration is Singapore, a country fast becoming one of the most stylish and interesting places in the world, due to its ability to fuse its beautiful culture with modernity. There are many ways to spend the evening of the 31st …

Indonesia is undoubtedly a top-notch destination in terms of culture, outdoor activities and holiday retreats that one would always want to be a part of. The festivals and events play a major role in showcasing the country’s rich cultural influences of which some go back in time. If one is searching for luxury hotels, Indonesia affords plenty of opportunities to select one that will suit your budget. Starwood Indonesia which features amongst Indonesia 5 star hotels will entice you with a truly memorable experience that will give you the time and space to discover a host of all the upcoming festivals in the country. October sees the ever popular and engaging Kuta Karnival Bali Food Festival which sees foodies the world over commune in Bali for a true taste …

Kerala in India is a destination with a distinctive culture. A 3 Star hotel in Kerala such as Poovar Island Resort presents an ideal option for those in search of a Kerala resort at which to hold their wedding reception. Traditional weddings in Kerala incorporate some unique rituals to mark the unity of two people. Customarily, the bride pays a visit to a temple along with her close relatives on the very morning of her wedding day. Here she prays for a happy wedded life. Usually marriage ceremonies in Kerala are held at large halls which have the capacity for a large amount of guests, among which there are friends and relatives of both the bridegroom and bride. The responsibility of arranging this ceremony belongs …

The Maldives Islands is truly a paradise that lies within the sparking blue waters of the Indian Ocean. It is renowned as a world-famous tropical destination that lures tourists in droves each year. Boasting up to 1,190 islands that comprise its idyllic surrounds, a vacation in the Maldives partakes of the best aspects of ample fun in the sun, sand, and surf. With pristine beaches of fine white power, a vacation in the Maldives will be without doubt the best you will ever experience – a true feast for the senses. A trip to Maldives will never be complete without a dive into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The gorgeous underwater delights that lie beneath the curling waves are indeed a must-see feature …