Tag Archives: Events and Festivals

Maldives Celebrity Holiday Hotspot – Bringing Glitz and Glamour to the Islands of Maldives

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Known as the ultimate tourist destination, Maldives is presently enjoying impressive tourism growth, having rebounded from a series of natural disasters in the last couple of years. Having gone through a developmental frenzy over the recent years, every few months in Maldives brings out newly opened resorts, top-end boutique brands and ecologically sound hotels. Inviting honeymooners, divers and sun worshippers, Maldives continues to prosper keeping its original allure intact, with its superior beaches and cobalt blue waters.

Away from the modernity of the cityscape, life in Maldives is stripped down to simplicity, in its truest sense. A stunning backdrop of bright blues skies, coupled with all-year sunshine will be wonderfully atmospheric for travellers, where they can spend their days revelling the very essence of idyll living.

Recognized for its geological eccentricities, Maldives is nestled amidst the expansive Indian Ocean. Essentially, it is a series of ancient coral reefs that have matured along the edges of towering pre-historic volcanoes. With the passage of time, these immense structures have sunk into the depths of the ocean, exposing a number of coral islands of remarkable natural beauty. Travellers seeking unbridled pampering will indeed enjoy the blissful setting of Maldives, coupled with its swaying palm trees and languid waters.

Enveloped by white-powdery beads of sand, the beaches in Maldives are perhaps its finest attraction. For the traveller who enjoys water sports, Maldives is the idyllic paradise with a number of fantastic destinations for diving, surfing and snorkelling. Travellers from around the world throng at the beaches of Maldives, who enjoy frolicking in the sun and exploring the geographical marvels of Maldives. Seducing even the most discerning traveller is its turquoise reefs and deep blue lagoons, which provide the perfect opportunity to explore Maldives’ vibrant marine life. Prepare to catch a glimpse of a variety of fish species, swimming around the vivid corals.

Recognized for providing travellers with a uniquely indulgent vacation, it comes as no surprise that Maldives has become one of the top ten destinations for celebrity getaways. Few of the international celebrities who have vacationed in Maldives are Beyonce, Jay-Z, Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Jude Law, Eva Longoria, Liz Hurley, Noami Campbell, Mick Jagger, Sting, Rod Stewart, Jet Li, Cindy Crawford, Jackie Chan, Kate Moss and Siena Miller.

Aside from its sheer beauty, untamed nature and breathtaking scenery, the main reason why Maldives has become a hotspot for celebrities is its secluded islands. It provides celebrities with the privacy they require, away from the autographs hounds and interfering paparazzi. Since celebrities have a different set of criteria than the average traveller, they usually opt to stay at an exclusive villa or a private home.

Recent celebrity sights have included Russell Brand and wife, Katy Perry who vacationed in Maldives for their honeymoon. The couple flew straight to their destination after their highly anticipated and extravagant wedding in India. Soccer superstar, Christiano Ronaldo and his girlfriend, Irina Shayk, famed as the cover girl for Sports Illustrated 2011, also vacationed in the islands early this year. Headlining the news was the honeymoon of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, who famously spent their honeymoon in the islands of Maldives.

For the traveller seeking an accommodation in Maldives, an ideal Maldives resort will be Anantara Dhigu, Maldives. Among the Maldives luxury hotels, Anantara Dhigu, Maldives is nestled on Dhigu Island on the South Male Atoll, where travellers can explore uncompromised luxury amidst an isolated paradise island.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations in New York

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To celebrate one of the biggest moments every year, the city of New York pulls out all the stops in marking the advent of a New Year. The festivities include the massive celebrations, high energy parties and firework displays throughout the city.

The internationally recognized Times Square provides one of the most famous New Year’s Eve celebration locations. This iconic destination is memorable for its plethora of neon lights and advertising signs that somehow manage to become even brighter come 31st night. New Year’s Eve is also marked with the annual ‘dropping of the ball’ tradition atop One Times Square.

New York City will also be coming to life with a host of parties being thrown to mark the coming of the New Year. Major hotels, ballrooms, bars, pubs and nightclubs will be hosting a diverse range of events that will cater to various tastes. When residing in the vibrant city of New York this New Year’s Eve, visitors can simply pick an event that is to their liking.

For those desiring a quieter way to mark the moment, dining at one of the many magnificent restaurants located in the city provides a perfect option. With so much choice on offer in New York, visitors need only decide what type of food and atmosphere that they are seeking and they are sure to find an option that is suitable to them.

Indulging in a cruise is yet another popular activity that is chosen by both locals and tourists alike. Typical cruises offer the chance to mingle and relax amidst a luxurious atmosphere in addition to the benefits of an open bar. From your vessel, visitors will be able to take in refreshingly new views of the entire cityscape as well as the fireworks that are set off as the clock strikes 12.

The fireworks that pepper the skies of New York are yet another popular part of the moment each year. While the fireworks are visible for different parts of the city, the center of all the activity is the immense and magnificent Central Park. The view of the fireworks is simply astounding, especially from Sheep’s Meadow. Other activities that are put on here include the Midnight Run around the park, music and dancing as well as other entertainment.

For travellers wanting to reside in a luxury hotel New York, a popular choice among many is The Premier Hotel New York which delivers an exemplary level of service to ensure maximum comfort during your stay.

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival – keeping a folk tale alive

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For tourists visiting Hong Kong during the Tueng Ng Festival will no doubt get caught up in the excitement of this melting pot of a city. The summers in Hong Kong are filled with events, and taking centre stage is the Dragon Boat Festival.

The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival is not just any competition; it’s steeped in Chinese culture and is accompanied with a long history. This carnival is spread out across three days filled with entertainment, music, exotic foods and the perfect setting for a bit of healthy competition.

The competition takes place at the Victoria Harbour, at the Kowloon side of the harbour, each year. For first time travelers to Hong Kong, witnessing the dragon boats pushing through the water, side by side as the drums beat furiously; it’s hard not to get wrapped up in the excitement of it all, while watching international paddlers compete against one another for the coveted prize at the International Dragon Boat Races.

In China the Dragon Boat Festival counts for a day’s holiday, and it is part of a ceremony to commemorate the death of a national hero. Qu Yuan died by drowning himself more than 2000 years ago in the Mi Lo River. Folk legend has it that people who tried to rescue him began beating drums to scare the fish away, and food such as dumplings were thrown in the water to prevent the fish from feeding on his body.

It is from this tradition that dragon boat racing evolved. Today competing teams race in beautifully decorated dragon boats, while heavy drums are being beaten at the head of the boat. What make these boats distinguishable are the intricately carved dragon heads and a tail that appear at the head and bottom of the boat.

Each boat of over 10 metres in length has the capacity to carry a boat crew of about 22. The area where the paddlers sit is called the hull and it is decorated with the colours and scales of a dragon, with a bit of gold edging.

Paddlers who stand at the boat’s bow will often light crackers while tossing rice into the water to relive the legend of the search for Qu Yuan, which adds to the excitement. According to history dragon boat races were held between different clans and tribes and even different villages. The winners received prizes by way of wine and free food.

Paddlers in the dragon boat take the race quite seriously and practice tirelessly while seated abreast with another paddler. The drummer is at the front and encourages the paddlers by beating the drum and is supported by a steersman who is seated at the back.

Popular festival food includes rice and dumplings made using different types of meat, which is wrapped in a banana leaf. It is common thinking among the local community that during the festival days if herbs are collected, the preparations made using them will be more effective. Various herbs are boilt in water and people even bathe with this water believing that they will remain healthy.

For the adventurous travelers who lives off a backpack, a 4 Star hotel Hong Kong such as the Cosmo Hotel, will allow travelers to be centrally located and within walking distance to many attractions. A discount Hong Kong hotel such as this one offers guests a superior service.

Royal New Zealand Ballet – Tutus on Tour – A Realm of Spectacular Ballet Performances for your Enjoyment

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Deemed as one of most challenging dance forms in the arts field, ballet is a performance dance that requires discipline, flexibility and amazing work ethic. Possibly one of the reasons why the performing arts of ballet is widely appreciated by layman and experts alike, ballet is a genre of dance that is often arduous to master. Honing the intricate skills of ballet demands one’s utmost dedication and commitment as its poised style and tiers have become a highly technical form of dancing, especially over the recent years.

A performing art that has gained much interest, techniques of ballet have been known to be extremely powerful, touching the hearts of the audience. Having the innate ability to sway the feelings of the spectators, most often the performances move people to tears while others make people feel a sense of ecstasy. However, no matter what the performance entails, tragedy or drama, one element remains the same; the spectacular movements of the ballet performers.

An important event to the New Zealanders, the 2011 Tower Tutus on Tour will undoubtedly attract many people around the world, as the performances exude elegance, class and grace. This year, the main concentration of the performances will be about families. Encapsulating a sense of family-friendly entertainment for everyone to enjoy, it is bound to be a perfect time for adults and children alike to enjoy.

An event that is organized biennially, the Royal New Zealand Ballet will travel around the country between February and April. In hopes to visit both cities and towns, the people of New Zealand will be able to witness the dancers in all their glory whilst they perform the two productions planned for the tour: Pinocchio and Verdi Variations.
A children ballet, Pinocchio is a classical piece that children will love as it will prove to be a brilliant show-piece of a traditional children’s story. A story that comes to life, the ballet performers will present an entertaining and amusing tale that will engage the audience in an unforgettable ride.

A sparkling piece, Verdi Variations will be a stunning performance of incredible duets and dramatic solos. A grand performance, it promises to be an impressive performance filled with dazzling tiaras and exquisite tutus.

A night of breathtaking performances, the event will be held in town halls, school gymnasiums and community theatres in over 40 cities and towns. Lovers of classical ballet are bound to have an amazing time, astounded by the grace and poise of the choreographic movements.

For those who are interested in witnessing such remarkable performances when the tour hits Queenstown on March, there are many hotels nearby that should be considered. One such Queenstown hotel is Millennium Hotel Queenstown. Guest staying in this luxury hotel Queenstown offers will have the most comfortable settings of elegantly decorated rooms and will be in close proximity to the entertainment and shopping destinations in the area.

Royal New Zealand Ballet – Tutus on Tour – A Realm of Spectacular Ballet Performances for your Enjoyment

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Deemed as one of most challenging dance forms in the arts field, ballet is a performance dance that requires discipline, flexibility and amazing work ethic. Possibly one of the reasons why the performing arts of ballet is widely appreciated by layman and experts alike, ballet is a genre of dance that is often arduous to master. Honing the intricate skills of ballet demands one’s utmost dedication and commitment as its poised style and tiers have become a highly technical form of dancing, especially over the recent years.


A performing art that has gained much interest, techniques of ballet have been known to be extremely powerful, touching the hearts of the audience. Having the innate ability to sway the feelings of the spectators, most often the performances move people to tears while others make people feel a sense of ecstasy. However, no matter what the performance entails, tragedy or drama, one element remains the same; the spectacular movements of the ballet performers.


An important event to the New Zealanders, the 2011 Tower Tutus on Tour will undoubtedly attract many people around the world, as the performances exude elegance, class and grace. This year, the main concentration of the performances will be about families. Encapsulating a sense of family-friendly entertainment for everyone to enjoy, it is bound to be a perfect time for adults and children alike to enjoy.


An event that is organized biennially, the Royal New Zealand Ballet will travel around the country between February and April. In hopes to visit both cities and towns, the people of New Zealand will be able to witness the dancers in all their glory whilst they perform the two productions planned for the tour: Pinocchio and Verdi Variations.


A children ballet, Pinocchio is a classical piece that children will love as it will prove to be a brilliant show-piece of a traditional children’s story. A story that comes to life, the ballet performers will present an entertaining and amusing tale that will engage the audience in an unforgettable ride.


A sparkling piece, Verdi Variations will be a stunning performance of incredible duets and dramatic solos. A grand performance, it promises to be an impressive performance filled with dazzling tiaras and exquisite tutus.


A night of breathtaking performances, the event will be held in town halls, school gymnasiums and community theatres in over 40 cities and towns. Lovers of classical ballet are bound to have an amazing time, astounded by the grace and poise of the choreographic movements.


For those who are interested in witnessing such remarkable performances when the tour hits Queenstown on March, there are many hotels nearby that should be considered. One such Queenstown hotel is Millennium Hotel Queenstown. Guest staying in this luxury hotel Queenstown offers will have the most comfortable settings of elegantly decorated rooms and will be in close proximity to the entertainment and shopping destinations in the area.

Thing to do in Penang: Island of Sheer Diversity

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Penang is one of Asia’s most loved and popular islands also known as the Pearl of the Orient. Breathtaking natural beauty, warm hospitality, exotic heritage and friendly people have become its main attractions.


The turtle-shaped island Penang covers a total land area of 292 square kilometres. Known in Malay as Pulau Pinang, Penang also includes Seberang Prai which is a strip of land on Peninsular Malaysia. The island was connected to the mainland in 1985 by a bridge which is at present one of the world’s longest bridges.


Penang is abounding with inexplicable temples and beautiful palm shrouded beaches. It is today a lively port, a heritage city and an important manufacturing base which makes it a fusion of the old and new. This stunning island destination is diverse in culture, food and environment and its capital Georgetown alone is a treat to watch. Travellers will find a Chinese temple, a church that is hundred years old, an Indian temple, a Muslim mosque all located close to each other.


The diversity of the people of Penang is best reflected through its delectable array of food which is available throughout the day. Travellers will also find many interesting traditional festivals taking place all through the year.


An interesting place to visit is the Acheen Street Mosque which is an important mosque for the Malay community. Associated with the Thaipusam festival that takes place on an annual basis is the Balathandayuthapani Temple in Penang. Travellers will also come across the oldest planted tree in Malaysia which is the Baobab Tree.


Yet another intriguing site to explore is the Bat Cave Temple which is a temple built in a cave which are inhabited by bats. Other impressive sites in Penang include Batu Ferringhi, Benggali Mosque, Bukit Dumbar, Bukit Jambul Complex, Cantonese Methodist Church, Cenotaph and so much more.


This extraordinary island and its unique wonders can be further explored by staying at a well appointed Penang hotel. There are numerous hotel accommodation in Penang that provide top class facilities for a pleasant and relaxing stay. For instance, Golden Sands Resort, Penang which is conveniently located close to the capital city is an ideal place for both business and leisure travellers.

Full Moon Parties – Party Till the Sun Comes up at Koh Samui’s Vibrant Full Moon Parties

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Full Moon Parties worldwide should take note as the signature event on Haad Rin beach in Koh Phangan is getting bigger and better each year with its ever increasing popularity among the globe’s party people. Having originated in the late 80’s the Full Moon party has evolved in size and scale from its early days when a group of tourists chose this crescent shaped venue for an intimate gathering on full mooned nights with music and friends. Tipped as the most spectacular location in Thailand from which to view the full moon, Koh Phangan continues to captivate revellers to this day when they flock to its white, sandy beaches for some harmless fun and frolic once a month.


Drawing crowds of up to 30,000 people a night the Full Moon Party is a jam-packed event filled with music from international and local DJ’s, UV painted multitudes and fantastic entertainment. Beginning in the crimson coloured hours of dusk the beachfront is lit up with dozens of lamps and lined with quaint tables for the party to follow. Next the dancing masses take centre stage as the revelers dance the night away to every conceivable genre of music spinning under the receding light of twilight. Whether it’s Trance, House, Techno, Reggae, Drum n Bass, Dub, Goa or pop hits the 15 sound systems strategically placed on Haad Rin beach will keep your toes tapping and grooving to the infectious rhythms of the night. Vibrant fireworks displays and jugglers are also scattered along the venue which is also lined with several eateries offering scrumptious snacks and meals amidst the breezy atmosphere of the beach. Those who wish to simply unwind with a refreshing beverage are also welcome to do so as the moonlit atmosphere along the Gulf of Thailand offer breathtaking vistas and the soothing rush of waves crashing against the shores. Home to a plethora of cosy beach bars such as the Cactus Bar, Green Mango Bar and Drop-In Bar other popular drinking venues in Haad Rin include Zoom, Boom Boom and the Vinyl Club while The Orchid is also frequented by regular full moon party attendees.


Those in search of a breathtaking hideaway hotel in Koh Samui will be more than pleasantly surprised at the Anantara Bophut, Koh Samui. Ideally situated in tranquil Fisherman’s Cove along Bo Phut beach it is little wonder that this traditional Thai style rest is considered one of the most captivating Koh Samui hotels in Thailand.

Golden Dragon Dance – Spinning and twirling, let the Golden Dragon Dance mesmerise you

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On the northeast side of Tokyo lies a small sea side village known as Asakusa. This village was established in the 7th century. The story goes that two fishermen out at sea one day found not fish but a small golden statue in their fishing nets. This Buddhist statue was that of the deity Kannon. Kannon was revered as a deity of compassion.


On this auspicious day which was the 18th of March 628, a Golden Dragon appeared above the village in the sky to mark the finding of this statue.


Dragons are popular among Asian nations, and unlike their Western counterparts are usually serpentine in appearance, wingless, and comparatively benevolent. Of these the golden ones are a rare breed and are not seen easily as they are invisible.


The appearance of this Golden Dragon in the village of Asakusa, together with the finding of the golden statue catapulted this village to fame. The enshrined statue in the Sensoji Temple grew in importance and popularity whilst becoming a famous pilgrim’s spot.


Thereafter every year, a special Golden Dragon Dance is held to commemorate the visitation of the original dragon nearly 1300 years ago. This dance dragon weighs only 75 kilos and is around 15 meters in length, whereas its live counterpart was thought to be over 30 meters long.


The dragon dances thrice before it disappears from public view until the next year. This dragon is held up on poles and is manoeuvred by 8 men. Whilst the dragon dances, ladies attired as geishas use traditional instruments to play music.


Visitors to Tokyo during this period should not pass up the opportunity to be a part of this interesting Golden Dragon Dance Festival, as it is truly a memorable experience. If the visitor is looking for a Tokyo serviced apartment from which to base themselves, then the Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo is one exceptional choice offering some of the finest service apartments Tokyo.

The M1 Singapore fringe festival –The core of arts

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Once you look beyond the surface you’ll discover that Singapore is anything but dull or uninteresting. It is wealthy of a blend of Malay, Indian, Chinese and western cultures. Known as one of the world’s most prosperous countries, Singapore is a place where mostly traffic jams are non-existent and the population looks wholesome and clean-cut and it delivers stylish, innovative restaurants and the best shopping of Southeast Asia. And when you need a little break from the urban confines, there is an abundance of radiant reservoirs and leafy swathes in the centre of the island.


Singapore is the host of the annual M1 Singapore Fringe Festival which is about music, theatre, dance, mixed media and visual arts created and presented by international and Singaporean artists. The festival carries a different theme each year aiming to offer the best of cutting-edge, contemporary and socially engaged creations to its international audience. This event is serves as a creative hub, with the purposes of discussion and innovation; a platform for provocative and meaningful art to be noticed and admired.


The event promises a variety of ticketed and free artistic exchanges and interactive events, dance, covering music, theatre and visual arts followed by talk-back sessions with the artists. The festival’s rational motto is “Art teaches nothing except the significance of life” and it brings radical art to venues throughout Singapore. This fantastic thought-provoking feast was created with the culture vultures in mind.


The theme of the festival in 2010 was ‘Art and the Law’, whilst in 2011 it was ‘Art and education’ and in 2012 it will be ‘Art and religion’, looking for creations in disciplines that will suit the theme perfectly. This is a volunteer driven festival featuring the participation of people with a keen interest in the arts and in meeting people, whilst a prior experience in arts is an added advantage.


The traveller to this fair sunny isle in the tropics have a plethora of accommodation choices, And for a Singapore hotel reservation, do some online research and make your pick, whereas Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore, the 4-star boutique hotel Singapore can be highly recommended.

Auckland Arts Festival 2011 – The celebration of arts in one fabulous festival

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The Auckland Arts Festival explores the universe of possibilities under the human imagination and their expression through art. Since its inauguration in 2003, the festival has become a premier attraction not only for the city but for the region. The festival consists of a range of arts well spiced with different flavours of the world making it extremely palatable, hugely entertaining and widely stimulating for a broad minded audience.


This year’s festival is going to even surpass expectations. The themes which encompass the infinite universe of the human imagination and the thrill of discovery and travelling to exotic worlds of art undoubtedly sound promising. The different segments range from Theatre, Music and Dance to Art. As for the actual items, Douglas Wright’s dance act is sure to be one stunning masterpiece that is going to be as thrilling as predicted. On a different note special acts from Vietnam as well as India are designed for Eastern preferences with the latter featuring mellow, tantalizing Rajastani music that never goes out of style or mind. From the ancient folk dance water puppetry of Vietnam, there is a bigger shift of pace to the highly sophisticated seductive cabaret that is aptly called smoke and mirrors with its seductive, smoky and spellbinding brilliant performances. From the ‘sound of the ocean’ that is a much acclaimed global masterpiece to the folk dance and contemporary melodies of China to India’s famous classicals, the music is going to be raw and original and in its very unfamiliarity delightful and appealing.


The festival spans over several days and it would indeed be an equally glorious experience to stay over at an Auckland hotel with a central location and reputed quality of services and comforts. Copthorne Hotel Auckland Harbour City has that distinct advantage of not only being within easy reach of the central business district, but also having a magnificent view of the harbour through each of its guest rooms. Rated as a four star Qualmark hotel, this is one superb Auckland New Zealand hotel to reside in while visiting the city during the festival days.