December heralds the festive season and even in a tropical paradise like Sri Lanka one can enjoy Christmas and New Year celebrations. A great place to experience these festivities is at a Sri Lanka beach hotel where you can herald in the New Year amidst stunning coastal landscapes. Located along the shores, Mermaid Hotel & Club is one such option and is an ideal Kalutara hotel which gives one a chance to have ceremonies on the beach too. The best place to visit during the Christmas season is the commercial capital Colombo. The city is decked out in a variety of decorations and colourful lights as shops, malls and retail outlets go all out when it comes to festive décor. During this period one can also find a wide …

Christmas time in the Maldives is a good a time as any to celebrate the festive season and enjoy fun times with loved one. Finding the right kind of accommodation during this period is all important and a good choice would be to stay at Maldives spa resorts where you can enjoy some rejuvenating treatments. One of the leading Maldives resorts in this regard is Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas which is an ideal place for a family holiday too. During Christmas time in the Maldives it is customary to see some homes adorned with various colours and decorations including pine branches. Families are known to get together on Christmas day and share in a meal, while kids love the customary exchanging of gifts. The resorts …

A country rich in culture and traditions, Thailand has a proud heritage which can even be experienced when attending a traditional wedding ceremony. Couples looking to tie the knot in a truly unique way can consider heading to Thailand’s enchanting island of Koh Samui and staying at a Samui hotel which organises traditional wedding ceremonies. Set along a scenic stretch of beach, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui is one such Samui resort that gives you and your partner the chance to enjoy typical customs and rituals of this momentous occasion. Traditional Thai weddings feature a variety of customs that will be quite unique for western travellers. One such ritual is the Khan Maak procession where the groom makes his way to the bride’s chamber. This lively …

One of the world’s most foremost tourist destinations, Dubai is surpassing London, New York, and Paris for New Year revelers looking for a fantastic show to kick off a brand new year in 2014. Be smart and book accommodation in Dubai as early as possible, as hotels fill up fast. Consider The Palm as a possible option of a luxury Palm Jumeirah Hotel to host your new year’s shenanigans. On New Year’s Eve, ensure you head over to downtown Dubai, home of the world’s tallest building in the form of the Burj Khalifa, which unleashes a spectacular visual feast that rivals some of the best western NYE shows. To secure a prime viewing spot, make sure you use public transport and be downtown by 8pm at the latest, as …

Showcasing local creativity and giving it the international exposure and regional appreciation it deserves is the prestigious Abu Dhabi Art Fair 2013. Make this event part of your cultural “to do” list when you make your stay at one of the quality Abu Dhabi hotels in the region such as the Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi as its central location affords easy access to the art fair, making it an ideal Abu Dhabi city hotel to host your cultural excursions in the city. Venture down to the Saadiyat cultural district during 20-23 November and be treated to the creative offerings of the emirate, showcased in splendour at the 2013 Abu Dhabi Art Fair. You’ll be treated to a stunning array of ingenious art installations as well an impressive host of …

Langkawi in Malaysia is known for its many festivals and events. For tourists the city is paradise to absorb authentic Malaysian culture. Throughout the year the area is adorned with an array of different occasions. Starting from the grand New Year celebrations up until the end of the year, there is some festival to look forward to, each bringing out the best of authentic Malaysia. The culture is intense and beautiful and comes with colour, dance, deep rooted religion and unique skill. One occasion that showcases the craftsmanship of Malaysians is the Langkawi Crafts festival. The Langkawi Crafts Festival takes place somewhere around the month of December. The end of the year is a holiday season throughout the world and Malaysia gets a good number …