Between the trading routes of the Indian Ocean, lies the island-clustered country, Maldives — a destination, which with time has turned out to be one of the world’s finest for leisure and luxury. This spectacular archipelago offers something unique and impossible to replicate elsewhere.

The small Maldivian islands are surrounded by beautiful lights reflecting white sands fringed by coconut palms. The almost fluorescent whilst turquoise blue water of the shallow reef lagoons encircles the islands and slowly merges with the dark indigo blue of the Indian Ocean.

There are about 1190 islands, spread across 26 naturally formed coral atolls. Of these islands, about 200 are inhabited by Maldivians and the rest are either private resorts or just left to nature.

The key to enjoying Maldives is staying in a splurge island resort. Located on small coral islands, the resorts are absolute slices of paradise. Each resort has its own island. Three-course buffets, Kobe beef, corn-fed chicken and candlelight dinners are the aristocracies of pure five star luxuries being offered.

MaldivesFor the adventure lovers, there are trips such as Dolphin Discovery, Snorkeling on the Bay and also Deep Sea Diving. Nearly everything that is needed is just a call away. For those looking to stay connected to the world, there are high speed wi-fi networks present, which work even on the beach.

The resorts host quite a few different types of restaurants and bars. Every night there are shows and dances. A blend of numerous cultures defines Maldives since Maldivian genes were passed on by South and Southeast Asians, Africans and Arabs, preserving rituals from each.

One of the most famous of these traditions is ‘bodu-beruis’, a form of drum music. Bodu-berui music is often played in the night shows creating a very festive environment. A mix of dance and soft rock is also popularly played for the couples.

Maldives is one of the most ideal locations for a honeymoon. Every resort has facilities designed for couples to enjoy. From uniquely designed dining plans to breathtaking spa facilities, there are a lot for pairs to enjoy. Moreover, the islands are completely isolated and private with no distractions of the world present.

International visitors to Maldives land at the Malé International Airport, located on a separate island lying adjacent to Malé City which is the main island.

To get to the city, the easiest way is to use the local ferry, which costs just one dollar a person. The access to resorts is via speed-boats or sea-planes depending on the distance. Most resorts are less than thirty minutes away. The boat and sea-plane rides are quite entertaining with the view of the vast Indian Ocean all around.

A daylong stop-over in Malé City should not be missed. The city has shopping streets selling a variety of items like corals, pebbles and souvenirs. One such souvenir is shell money, an interesting pre-historic form of money.

Shell money is also sold in these shops for collectors from different parts of the world. The city also hosts the national museum of Maldives which hosts numerous items including three moon rocks and a Maldivian flag which went to the moon and back. The Maldivian palate too is diverse, with numerous cuisines available.

Located just a few flight hours away, the Maldivian islands are the place to be during summer. After all, Maldives is on the list of the very selective world’s exclusive places to be. Source- daily star

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Marriott International has announced the opening of the 155-unit The OCT Harbour, Shenzhen Marriott Executive Apartments.

This is Marriott International’s first extended stay property in South China, showing its continued growth and commitment to China.

Simon Cooper, president and managing director, Marriott International Asia Pacific, said: “We are delighted to be opening South China’s very first Marriott Executive Apartments and pleased that the popularity of the Marriott Executive Apartments brand in China continues to grow.

“Designed with extended stay travellers in mind, the apartments are located in an iconic location with the convenience of a five-star, full-service hotel.

“Offering space, ambience and privacy of residential living the Marriott Executive Apartments enables a comfortable stay while living away from home.”

The OCT Harbour, Shenzhen – Marriott Executive Apartments cover a total area of over 27,000sqm.

The property has accommodation of 155 units encompassing studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom suites.

Each spacious apartment allows guests to feel the authentic experience of living in the city.

With separated warm-coloured bedroom, contemporary living room and office area and a fully equipped, state-of-the-art kitchen – Marriott Executive Apartments are the perfect home-away-from-home with tranquil ambience and all the benefits of a hotel. Concierge desk, foreign exchange, limousine service, and even a grocery shopping service are only a phone call away.

The Resident Lounge, 24-hour gym, outdoor pool, kids’ pool, children’s playroom, and valet dry cleaning are among the services on offer. Source - breakingtravelnews.com Learn more »

With Ramadan and Eid holidays here, it is the perfect time to let out the travel bug in us. While some prefer the thrill of new countries, exotic food and a different culture, there is a lot to see and experience in Bangladesh, reports daily star.

For those out there who would love to travel the country but don’t know where to start, travel and tourism companies come in handy. Here’s a short list of agencies that organise packaged trips around the country and abroad from the very common Cox’s Bazaar to Sri Lankan shores.

Eid signals more than gorging on rich food and dressing in your latest threads. The biggest Muslim festival also means bonuses from employers and discounts from retailers; together they sum up to money spending time. Add the holiday element and you have the makings of an excellent vacation. Thus, to prepare you for it, Lifestyle went around and got the down-low on the best deals around town, keeping a limit of Tk.50,000 in mind. But here and there, we were swayed to go beyond our budget. But what harm can that do? After all, its Eid, isn’t it?

For those with a budget not exceeding Tk.50,000 per person, Prime Tourism has a number of deals that are currently being offered. For Tk.33,900, you can avail a three nights and four days trip to Paro and Thimpu, staying in a 2-star hotel. For a bit more, you can easily get a 3-star hotel. The cost includes return air tickets, breakfast, lunch, dinner, airport-hotel-airport transfer fees and sightseeing costs. Prime Tourism will also help with the visa application, if required. A trip to Kathmandu, Nepal for two nights and three days costs Tk.25,900 to 29,000 depending on the selection of a 2-star hotel or a 3-star hotel. This package also includes dinner, guide service and sight-seeing along with those listed above. For those seeking more tranquility than usual, a trip to the ancient Himalayan capital of Leh is surely in order. A two person trip, inclusive of all that’s mentioned, would set you back Tk.26,900 with the cost per person falling with the addition of more people. Finally, there is the five nights, six days package for Maldives and Sri Lanka, which costs Tk.54,900, inclusive of the services listed above. Prime Tourism is located at Motaleb Mansion, Room # 506, Floor # 4 , 2, R. K. Mission Road, Dhaka-1203 and they can be reached at 01971810631.

Travel2For those with a thirst for adventure on a budget, if you are willing to sacrifice a few minor details BD Tours has just what you need. BD Tours manages to reduce costs greatly and make the most frugal of travellers appreciate the thrill of travelling. A two nights, three days package trip to Kathmandu costs Tk.26,499 and Tk.15,999 for trips of the same duration to Shillong and Darjeeling, although the journey is made by road. A two-night three-day trip to Kuala Lampur would set one back Tk.48,999. For more information, visit BDTour’s website.  Traveler’s Club also has an offer for Nepal, which is a three-days and two-night trip, with food and lodging at the 3-star Osho Inn costing around Tk.26,500. Traveler’s club can be reached at 01841676706. For packages with even more attractions than just food and lodging, try Sky Bird Travel Agent. Their Nepal package, which costs Tk.25,000 includes palm readings, shopping discount cards and casino facilities. A four-night, five-day trip to Kathmandu and Pokhara would cost around Tk.44,000.

When traveling, always remember to do your research before choosing your package of preference. Find out about the accommodations, read reviews, compare carefully and finally make up your mind. Find out all the traveling requirements and keep a checklist. Finally, ensure you have your travel agent’s number at which he can be reached during emergencies. This can be very important at times. In the end, remember to have a great trip and do enough to make great memories within the short span of time Eid provides. Learn more »