Ideal Tropical Destination the Maldives
The Maldives is made up of a chain of nearly 1,200 islands, most of them uninhabited, which lie off the Indian sub continent.
A string of pearls scattered over the deep blue Indian Ocean. The first glimpse you get of this fascinating formation confirms two unique aspects of the Republic of Maldives. Not only does it consist of the most beautiful tropical islands, but most are covered by the sea. Ring like coral formations enclosing a lagoon, which gives the Maldives its unique paradise like appearance.
No more than two hundred islands are inhabited, the rest tourist resorts and uninhabited islands, some of which are used for drying fish or other agricultural activities.
Originally a Buddhist nation, Islam was introduced in 1153. In 1965 the Maldives obtained independence from Britain. The Maldives have seen only two Presidents, though political restrictions have loosened somewhat recently.
The language is from Indo Iranian Sanskritic origin, which points at a later influence from the North of the Subcontinent. According to the legends, the kingly dynasty that ruled the country in the past has its origin there.
The Maldivia economy was entirely dependent on fishing and other marine products for many centuries. Fishing remains the main occupation of the people and the government gives special priority to the development of the fisheries sector.
The development of tourism has fostered the overall growth of the countrys economy. It has created direct and indirect employment and income generation opportunities in other related industries.
Many Maldiviens live in poverty. However, the country has developed its infrastructure and industries, including the fisheries sector, and has boosted health care, education and literacy.
The Maldives was hit by the December 2004 Asian tsunami. Homes and resorts were devastated by the waves, precipitating a major rebuilding programme.
There is a fear that as sea levels rise, island countries such as the Maldives, and some Pacific territories, will simply be swamped and disappear. None of the coral islands measures more than 1.8 metres above sea level, making the country vulnerable to a rise in sea levels associated with global warming.
The Maldives has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year round and a great deal of sunshine. The warm tropical climate results in relatively minor variations in daily temperature throughout the year. The hottest month on average is April and the coolest, December. The weather is determined largely by the monsoons.
As the Maldives comprises more sea than land, it is only natural that fish have always been the most prominent element of Maldivien food. However, with travellers from different parts of the world, new seasonings and vegetables were introduced in to the country and added to the existing repertoire of seafood. Each new discovery was incorporated into the diet in quantities most palatable to Maldiviens. Thus Maldivien cuisine now comprises Arabic, Indian, Sri Lanka and Oriental tastes blended into a unique cuisine that embodies a culinary identity of its own.
Sun, sand and sea, a thousand Robinson Crusoe islands, massive lagoons with different depths and infinite shades of blue and turquoise, dazzling underwater coral gardens. A perfect natural combination for the ideal tropical holiday destination.
Categories: 1000 Islands Fishing Tags: Destination, Ideal, Maldives, tropical
Balboa Bay Club Ideal for Weekend in Luxury
Why just read about the rich and famous when you can vacation with them? A stay in a Newport Beach luxury waterfront hotel will give you an up-close look at how the other half lives — or maybe we should say the other 10 percent.
The Balboa Bay Club will be glad to share its front-row view of the good life now that this legendary club of the Newport Coast elite has opened half its units to the general public. Before 2003, the resort’s prime Newport Beach real estate was only available to members of the club. Now there are 150 rooms and 10 suites available to anyone yearning for some weekend affluence.
Staying at the club a night or two would be a sure-fire way to impress the significant other, or to completely escape from job stress, but still keep costs within reason. We consider resorts like the Balboa Bay Club “special-occasion” getaways ‘ places we go to celebrate, not just to get away. With small houses on nearby Balboa Island going for $4 million and 100-foot mega-yachts parked in slips right out in front of your bay-view suite, the Balboa Bay Club takes you many steps beyond the average getaway.
The first clue you’re not in Kansas anymore is when you cruise the circular driveway to the lobby area. Behind that line of dark-colored, late-modeled SUVs there’s a gleaming new two-seat sports car you don’t quite recognize because, in all likelihood, it’s not the kind of car available at your local auto mall. Then it’s not one or two valets, but a platoon of at least six fair-haired young gentlemen running to and fro to make certain that no one waits long for their vehicle.
And the service just keeps on coming. From the smiling young woman at check-in to the cordial bellhops to the extraordinarily punctual room service attendants ‘ who managed to bring us cookies and milk while the cookies were still warm ‘ the service at the Balboa Bay Club, during our stay, was consistently top-rate.
And then there are the rooms. Once we opened the door to our bay-view suite, we could fully appreciate the club’s location and attention to detail. The sliding glass doors opened to a maritime show that continued from dawn to dusk. From small Duffy boats to super-yachts, from kayaks to college rowing teams, the sights and sounds of Balboa Bay are mesmerizing. You’ll be tempted to spend many an hour on the one of your two private decks that are perfect for viewing all of the water activities.
The rooms are over-size and our one-bedroom suite actually had two of these large rooms with two bathrooms, one so spacious it had three dressing areas, a walk-in closet, a two-person Jacuzzi-style tub and a separate shower room. The bathrooms were Italian marble, the counter-tops granite and the overall design was reminiscent of those bathroom areas you see in home d?r magazines ‘ you know, the ones you wonder if you will ever really be able to afford.
Large-screen TV, high-speed internet, games, they’re all there. And, when it came time to turn in for the night, our luxuriously appointed king-size bed was form-fitting and among the most comfortable we’ve ever slept on. Oh those 10 percent do live well.
The Balboa Bay Club actually was created in 1948, back when there were far fewer people living in Newport Beach and the area was a popular getaway for Hollywood elites. There are about 2,800 members of the club, which includes a couple thousand or so living on the property and the others just dropping by to use the spa, Olympic-style pool and other recreational facilities. Past and present members of the club include such familiar names as John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Robert Wagner, John Travolta, Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Carey.
The first few years of the “public” Balboa Bay Club have gone well and the resort has attracted a consistent stream of getaway travelers, most hailing from California and arriving by car ‘ although John Wayne Airport is only a 15-minute drive from the resort. The temperate coastal weather and the property’s waterfront location are big draws.
In fact, Newport Beach is a pretty good draw all on its own. Take a drive and you’ll see that modern, wide palm tree-lined thoroughfares take visitors through some of the priciest real estate in the country, the gorgeous blue Pacific Ocean almost always visible with just the slightest elevation.
World-class shopping and fine restaurants are in nearly every part of the city ‘ and, we might mention, the club’s restaurant, the First Cabin, is no slouch either. Famous galleries, exquisite home furnishing stores and many fascinating shops are awaiting your exploration in nearby Corona del Mar. Or visit Fashion Island, one of two Orange County super retail complexes that just seem too grandiose to be called shopping centers (the other being South Coast Plaza in nearby Costa Mesa). Name a store found on New York’s Fifth Avenue, and you’ll probably find a version of it at Fashion Island.
For the outdoor enthusiast, it’s just a five-minute drive from the club to Upper Newport Ecological Reserve, a 752-acre coastal wetland that is home to 200 rare and endangered bird species. Visitors enjoy walking tours through the area.
On our visits to Newport Beach, we have enjoyed shopping on Balboa Island, which has a tiny, but busy Main Street ‘ actually it’s called Marine Avenue ‘ which is just a few short blocks with about 70 shops and restaurants to explore. This little example of Small Town Americana offers a wide selection of shops in all price ranges as well as several boutiques and galleries.
The downtown shopping area is just part of the attraction on Balboa Island, an island small enough that you can walk entirely around its perimeter in less than two miles. It’s fun to observe life on an island that remains exclusive because it is so expensive. There is no denying that the ever-present sunshine and the harbor views create a quiet respite from bustling city life and clogged freeways. The colorful villas and vacation-style homes on the island are quite lavish for their size.
Walk out onto your deck at the Balboa Bay Club and you’ll likely see many electrically powered Duffy boats — which you can even rent for your own cruise on the bay. Duffy boats are made locally and are specifically designed to take a group of people out on the water in total comfort and luxury for simple harbor cruising. The 21-foot boat we rented could accommodate 10 adults with plush bench seats on each side of the boat with table tops available in the middle for drinks or snacks. The boat was entirely shaded and had plenty of open areas on the sides to enjoy the view. It was easy to operate and requires little or no boating experience.
Our Duffy boat wasn’t exactly like the 100-foot mega-yachts tied up in from of our suite at the Balboa Club — but let’s just say it was a tad bit easier on fuel.
AT A GLANCE
WHERE: The Balboa Bay Club is in Newport Beach, which is located in Orange County, south of Los Angeles. It is easily reached on the 405 freeway.
WHAT: A playground for the wealthy, but still within reason for the average middle-income family if you go for just a weekend.
WHEN: Year-round, with blue-sky weather virtually any time of the year.
WHY: “Weather and water” as one club executive explained. The weather’s perfect most of the time, and the club is the only waterfront resort in Newport Beach.
HOW: For more information on the Balboa Bay Club, phone 888-445-7153 or visit www.balboabayclub.com. Be sure to check out their package specials that begin at around $300 a night. For information on Newport Beach, contact the Newport Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-94-COAST or visit www.newportbeach-cvb.com.
Why A Bali Holiday Is Ideal For A Family
Bali is an island of dreams known for its picturesque natural beauty and romantic backdrops. Whilst it certainly is one of the worldâ??s best destinations for couples, it is also ideal for family vacations. No matter the age of visitors, a Bali holiday will be filled with adventure, breathtaking sights and a chance to take in educational opportunities all along the way.
There are a number of reasons that combine to make Bali vacations an excellent choice for family adventures. When this Indonesian island is the destination, families of all sizes and age compositions will find these factors stand out to make Bali a good selection:
* The weather â?? Whilst there is a monsoon season that runs between December and March, Bali is practically postcard perfect in weather throughout the year. With temperatures that range between 20 and 33 degrees Celsius, there is little reason to fear having to spend days inside Bali hotels to wait out inclement weather. Even during the rainy season, the storms tend to come in the evening hours.
* The outdoor fun â?? Going to Bali without exploring its natural wonders would be like travelling to Americaâ??s Disney World without ever once going on a ride. It just wouldnâ??t make sense. The outdoor activities for families that visit Bali are almost endless. From the pristine white sand beaches to the breathtaking mist-covered mountains, Bali and the great outdoors just go hand-in-hand. Those on a Bali holiday will find they can do such things as swim, water ski, white water raft, hike, bike, horseback ride, golf and even go on tours of volcanoes. There is no end to the potential for outdoor fun when a Bali holiday is on tap.
* The attractions â?? From the monkey forest and the elephant safari to the many museums, shops and restaurants, Bali has no shortage of attractions that are well suited for family adventures. The islandâ??s many attractions are almost all considered very family friendly.
* The accommodations â?? Bali accommodations are designed not only for couples, but also for families. If a little more room is needed than an average hotel might offer, Bali villas and apartments can give families the space they need to spread out.
* The history â?? The islandâ??s history dates back thousands of years into the past. Visitors here will find that temples built over a thousand years ago still stand and that historic sites can be taken in throughout Bali. From the temple Pura Besakih on Mount Agung to the Tanah Lot, young visitors will have plenty of opportunities to learn about the Indonesian culture through the years.
* The pricing â?? A Bali holiday does not have to cost a fortune to be incredibly memorable. Families will find that Bali accommodations are quite reasonable in pricing as are many of the main attractions on the island.
Whilst Bali is an excellent vacation destination for couples, it offers families plenty of excitement. A Bali holiday can suit visitors of all ages who will be blown by the islandâ??s natural beauty, many attractions and history that lives on.
Categories: 1000 Islands Hotels Tags: Bali, Family, holiday, Ideal
How to Reach Thousands of Your Ideal Clients & Customers and Skyrocket Your E-mail List
One of the questions I’m asked the most by my clients is, “How can I most quickly build my e-mail list?”
My answer is, find someone who’s already reaching your target market in droves, and use THEM to build your list! How? With these three easy steps:
STEP 1: Determine exactly who your ideal client or customer is.
The more descriptive you can be here, the better. For example, don’t just think “men”. Think “men ages 18-40 who like sports and working out”. Don’t just think “small business owners”. Think “women owners of professional service businesses that do less than $1 million a year”.
Can you take on clients or customers who fall outside of this description? Of course! But you need to know who you’re going after.
Example: About three years ago, I spent a romantic summer week on Nantucket Island in Massachusetts. My beau was wonderful in letting me decide most of the activities we’d do each day. But there was one thing he definitely wanted to do at least once – go bluefishing!
Now I’m not sure if you could have guessed this, but I’m not really into fishing. ; )
But hey, I’ll try anything once, so off we went to the docks. Now, I figured we could go on any boat with any captain and do this. But no … we went with “Captain Dan the Bluefish Man” (who smelled like his specialty). Dan took us on his special boat to this special place off the island where the bluefish were, and we even used special bait that the bluefish liked. And we had great success – they just kept biting!
Sit down with a cup of coffee this weekend and do some online research regarding your target market. What sites are they already visiting? What newsletters or magazines do they already read? For example, if your target market is stay-at-home moms, find the most popular sites they visit. Find the most popular ezines they read.
Come up with a list of your top five websites and top five ezines that are already reaching your ideal client or customer.
STEP 3: Contact these websites and ezines and see if they will:
accept guest ARTICLES. If so, then submit one of your best, with a short bio that links people back to your website to sign up for your ezine.
do a CO-REGISTRATION deal. If you already have a good amount of e-zine subscribers and website traffic, they may be open to adding your e-zine to their ezine signup form if you do the same on your part. (Ideally folks should just check a box to subscribe to the additional e-zine automatically.)
run a recommendation or ad in exchange for a COMMISSION on resulting sales. For example, you give them the ad to run, tagged with a link that lets you know if any sales come from it. (This is easy for you to do if you have an online affiliate program.*)
accept PAID advertising. Banner ads, text ads, and other paid placements obviously cost you money, but if it’s your only option and you really want to reach these folks, go for it. But be sure to track your results so you can see if it’s working. (You’ll need a link-tracking program to do this. *)
And these are just a FEW ideas to get you started!
Categories: 1000 Islands Fishing Tags: Clients, Customers, Email, Ideal, list, Reach, Skyrocket, thousands
Ideal vacation spot
Our camping spot on Tumbledown mountain in Maine.
Categories: Camping Vacations Tags: Ideal, spot, Vacation
Singapore Cheap Hotels, Ideal Accommodation for Your Religious Vacation
Singapore has developed into one of the most cosmopolitan city in the world. This cosmopolitan look is apparent in all walks of life in Singapore. Take a look at the places of worship. You will find all kind of temples, churches and mosques in the island. Chinese and Indian form the major chunk of the population in Singapore so are the places of worship of these communities.
Churches and mosques in Singapore are in lesser in number but their charm is as great as that of any other place of worship in the island. In fact there are so many places of worship in Singapore; you can spend your whole vacation exploring these places. Singapore cheap hotels offer homely comfort and state of the art services and amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Kong Meng San Phor Kark See temple is one of the most famous Chinese temples located in the central Singapore. This temple is also known as The Bright Hill temple. One of the largest temple complexes in Singapore, this temple is spread over more than 15 acres of land. Shear size of the temple is awesome. The temple is decorated with beautiful pagodas with stunning pictures of dragons and birds along with beautiful decorations. Big Buddhist library in the temple is another attraction and worth a visit. Large turtle pool in the temple is very popular among the children. Singapore hotels, in the central Singapore offer easy access to this temple.
Siong Lim Temple is another Chinese temple located in the central Singapore. This temple has been recognized as national monument. The temple commemorates the birth and death of the Buddha. In fact name of the temple in Chinese means twin groves of the lotus mountain, which symbolically means birth and death of Buddha. Temple is full of awe inspiring carvings. You can devote days to understand the significance of these carvings. Singapore hotel in the center of the island offer easy access to this temple.
Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya temple in the little India area of the Singapore was built by the Thai monk Vutthisasala. This temple is also known as Temple of thousand lights. At the entrance of the temple one encounters a large foot print of Buddha. Special attraction of the temple is the statue of Buddha surrounded by one thousand lights. Thian Hock Keng Temple in the China town area of the Singapore is famous as The Temple of Heavenly Happiness.
This is oldest Chinese temple in the Singapore and one of the most important Hokkien temples. In the beginning this temple was used as thanksgiving temple by the sailor for their safe journey. Singapore cheap hotels in Little India and China town area of Singapore offer quality accommodation for your religious vacation in Singapore.
Categories: 1000 Islands Hotels Tags: Accommodation, Cheap, hotels, Ideal, Religious, Singapore, Vacation
A Honeymoon in the Caribbean – Ideal For All
There is absolutely no better place for a newly wedded couple to celebrate their beginnings together than where they could explore seven thousand islands if they can afford in the Caribbean. Attractive beaches with white sands, green vegetation and the everlasting blue waters shelter each of those islands. It is the easiest way to experience an earthly ecstasy with the person that holds the key to the heart. Get away from the polluted city air to a place where every element is natural.
For that upcoming wedding sometimes next year do not think again before choosing a honeymoon in the Caribbean because the experience will be remembered forever. In fact people that go on vacations select this destination because of the flexibility of traveling there by ship mainly. There is always the best cruise for anyone including the couples commemorating anniversaries and the fruits of their marriages or the children that make the family complete.
This is one of best honeymoon ideas and tips that anyone can grab right now and prepare to get to the Caribbean by summer 2010. The bonds of love can get stronger and unbreakable when the couples get involved in so many activities together far from everyone that know them. Contrary to the past, people are flexibly planning the honeymoons to start days and weeks later after the reception in order to have ample time to search for the best destinations.
That is because they can also travel when the weather and every other factor is favorable such as the travel packages if they want to be savvy. There is no shortage of information targeted at those planning a honeymoon in the Caribbean online and that is why it is good to do prior research in order to meet a travel agency as well to organize accommodations, resorts, destinations and so on. Remember Caribbean islands are so many and the travel agents can help in selection of the best among them because it is not possible to visit all within a short while.
Nevertheless, as long as there is money to travel the world the lovers can grab the opportunity to probe each other’s body and soul in privacy and freedom. Ideally, the newlyweds would rather have every important detail in one package because that eliminates confusion while ensuring proper financial planning. This information can only be found online conveniently from a reputable source that also offer the service therefore couples can make comparisons among packages.
They should try to analyze the advantages they get from each agent since it would be foolish to squander everything and fly back home with debts to repay on top of that. It is imperative to mention that savvy honeymooners can decide to take a Caribbean cruise because it certainly does not compare to the costs for flights especially if the couple is timely.
Choose the Eastern Caribbean cruises and spend more time touring the land than at the sea and vice versa for the western. Of course the trip need to be outstanding than for anybody else traveling to the islands to relax even if it means paying more just to travel in style sleeping in the best cabins, having the best view at the balcony and stuff like that.
Read more advices and tips about a honeymoon in the Caribbean
Categories: 1000 Islands Honeymoons Tags: Caribbean, honeymoon, Ideal
