TRAVEL, FOOD & WEATHER

Top 10 most romantic luxury honeymoon destinations

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Chances are that newly-weds would feel the love even if they spent their honeymoon in a caravan in a parking lot, but most tend to set their sights a little higher. Here are our top ten tips for the most romantic luxury destinations for post-wedded bliss, and without even a car park in sight.</div>
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<strong>Sumba Island, Indonesia</strong></div>
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A perfect honeymoon day, at Nihiwatu on the island of Sumba, might go something like this – book a beautiful private beach owned by the hotel, have breakfast prepared by your personal chef, enjoy a spa safari in a treehouse, lounge around, then have a sunset horse ride along the mile long main beach before a private dinner on the terrace of your villa.</div>
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<img alt="Indonesia" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-37312" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Indonesia.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<strong>The Peleponnese, Greece</strong></div>
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OK, OK, the islands are pretty unbeatable – Santorini especially – but we’ve fallen for somewhere on mainland Greece – the Peloponnese.This region is steeped in history, but what honeymooners are really here for are the heavenly hotels. Top billing goes to the delectable new Amanzoe with its huge pavilions and beach club, but the Kinsterna and Kyrimai hotels are a good deal less budget-busting and pretty special too.</div>
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<strong>The Okavango Delta, Botswana</strong></div>
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Safari doesn’t get any sexier than in the staggeringly beautiful delta where the Okavango River spills not into the sea or a lake but the Kalahari Desert. Away from the (admittedly lovely) lodges of the main Delta is the Selinda Spillway that more adventurous ‘mooners can currently canoe along, but the main event here is Selinda Camp itself where couples can spend a solitary night at the sleep out deck on an island five minutes boat ride from the camp.</div>
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<img alt="Botswana" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-37314" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Botswana.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<strong>New Zealand</strong></div>
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New Zealand demands a minimum of two weeks exploration so what better time to visit than on honeymoon? Adventurous newly-weds can enjoy a self-drive luxury camper van experience between remote and elegant luxury lodges and some of the best adrenaline activities on offer anywhere. Our top honeymoon choice? Easy – the brand new one-bedroom Shepherd’s Lodge at Annandale near Christchurch, complete with ocean views, remote and romantic location and sheepskin rugs in front of a log fire.</div>
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<strong>Northern California, USA</strong></div>
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San Francisco is the ultimate hip hangout at present, with the Zetta Hotel in the heart of the action. North of the city are the glorious vineyards of Napa and Sonoma valleys and boutique chic hotels such as Auberge du Soleil with rooms scattered around 33 acres of olive groves. To the south of Frisco, Big Sur is one of the most famous road trips in the world, hugging, as it does, the Pacific Coast with dramatic breakers crashing below. Whilst in this area stay at Post Ranch Inn for supreme sunsets over the ocean.</div>
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<img alt="California" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-37318" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/California.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<strong>Pretty much all of it, Italy</strong></div>
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It doesn’t get much more romantic than La Bella Italia. The case? Beautiful and dramatically differing landscapes; classical and medieval cities that manage to be both historic and liveable, and the icing on the torte – sublime places to stay such as the Hotel de Russie in Rome and JK Place Capri. The food’s not too bad either. Footnote: As with all places approaching perfection there’s a downside, and in Italy’s case it’s the preposterously good looking locals. They say love is blind, but on a honeymoon in Italy it might just be a little short-sighted.</div>
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<img alt="Young couple from The Bargello" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-37317" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Italy.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<strong>The Maldives</strong></div>
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Honeymooners are spoilt for choice in the magnificent Maldives, with luxury paradise island hotels opening almost daily and catering for a range of budgets from the good to the eye-watering. Our favourite remains the original barefoot luxury retreat – Soneva Fushi – where honeymooners can spend the night on a sandbank with candle lit dinner and the contents of their Soneva villa decamped to a luxurious tent.</div>
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<img alt="Maldives" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-37311" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Maldives.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<strong>Mexico</strong></div>
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Mexico is honeymoon heaven thanks to beach retreats on the Mayan Riviera such as Esencia, and culture (delicious UNESCO recognised street food, Mayan ruins et al) in spades to satisfy the most erudite of couples.</div>
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<img alt="Mexico" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-37316" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Mexico.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<strong>St Barths, Caribbean</strong></div>
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Fancy a lune de miel rather than a boring old honeymoon? Look no further than the French-speaking Caribbean, and particularly the island of St Barths. The go-to luxury property of Ile de France just got given the Cheval Blanc treatment and has emerged – if possible – even more chic. The hotel’s ‘alchemists’ can even arrange private sunset boat cruises or picnics on a desert island.</div>
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<img alt="Caribbean" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-37315" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Caribbean-Isle-de-France3.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<strong>North Island, Seychelles</strong></div>
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A mere eleven rooms (in the loosest, vastest sense of the word) on a huge private island; oustanding food; activities galore and hundred year old giant tortoises pottering around makes for an alluring package. If it’s good enough for William and Kate, then it’s good enough for anyone.</div>
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<img alt="Seychelles" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-37313" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Seychelles.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<em>Tom Barber is Co-Founder of <a href="http://www.originaltravel.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Original Travel</a>.</em></div>

Top 10 most romantic luxury honeymoon destinations

Chances are that newly-weds would feel the love even if they spent their honeymoon in a caravan in a parking lot, but most tend to set their sights a little higher. Here are our top ten tips for the most romantic luxury destinations for post-wedded …

5 of the best ways to celebrate Christmas on safari

01:45 Unknown 0

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As Christmas is rapidly approaching, it seemed a very appropriate time to touch upon some great reasons why an African safari is an excellent way to celebrate the festive season. Christmas is one of those occasions that is celebrated a myriad different ways. There are cultural and geographic differences, but also each family seems to develop their own unique and special ways of celebrating. If you grew up in the northern hemisphere, then wintry images of snow and roast dinners will get you in a festive mood; whereas if you’re from the southern hemisphere then you probably spent your Christmases trying to find ways to keep cool and stay out of the sun. For many people, Christmas is a time for getting together with family and friends, of eating your favourite foods and enjoying spending some quality time together.</div>
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When I was growing up, my family always liked to use Christmas as an opportunity to travel, to spend the Christmas period somewhere different, to take our celebrations on the road and really embrace the Christmas spirit in whatever part of the world we found ourselves. One of my favourites was the year that we decided to undertake a Christmas safari. Here are five of the best ways to celebrate Christmas while on safari in Africa:</div>
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<strong>1. Discover the wildlife</strong></div>
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There are lots of reasons that make the Christmas period an excellent time to embark on an African safari. Not only is it a great way to escape the chill of a northern hemisphere winter, but in countries such as Namibia and Botswana the countryside is in almost perfect condition. In this part of the world the first rains after the dry season usually begin to fall during November and have generally finished by mid-December, so there is a unique window of perfect weather before the wet rainy season kicks in from January to March. Not only is it generally not raining over Christmas, the November rains mean that the grasslands have had a chance to grow, dramatically changing the face of this beautiful landscape. Animal life is also plentiful at this time of year as numerous species such as antelope and zebra will time their breeding pattern to when there is maximum grass to feed on – this means that you should get some great photos of young antelope and zebra bounding around before your camera lens. This is also a good time of year for viewing reptiles and also birds who will be returning from their winter migration in preparation for the breeding season.</div>
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<img alt="Nebrownii, Etosha" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-37324" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Spiessbock-Etosha.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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Plentiful rainfall means that the water-holes will all be full and therefore there is less reason for animals to congregate at specific locations. This is going to make it a little more difficult to see wildlife en masse. Another challenge is that the lush and abundant grasslands create great camouflage and plenty of hiding places, so again, spotting the animals that you’ve come to see will take a bit of patience and persistence.</div>
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<strong>2. Give something back</strong></div>
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Christmas is the season for giving, but it doesn’t have to all be about expensive gifts that are too difficult to fit into your luggage. Why not take the opportunity to use your Christmas holiday to help others. One easy way is to visit a local orphanage. Orphanages in Africa come in all shapes and sizes, but you can have a really positive impact on the lives of these children just by showing an interest in their schooling and giving them some insights into the wider world. If you’re in Tanzania, one option is the Yatima Orphanage which helps to provide housing, food, education and medical care to vulnerable children.</div>
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<img alt="Children at Yatima Group Orphanage" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-37325" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Children-at-Yatima-Group-Orphanage.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<strong>3. Celebrate African-style</strong></div>
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There are lots of different Christmas traditions throughout Africa, but for those that follow the Christian faith, going to church and having a celebratory meal with family and friends is common. Roasted goat is one of the most popular dishes for families to share at Christmas and is something you should try, if you’ve not yet had the opportunity.. If you’re celebrating while on safari, then your celebrations will depend a little on the type of safari lodge or camp that you’re staying at. No doubt there will be decorations and special meals available, but (depending on your budget and your festive spirit) you can make this as traditional or relaxed as you would like it to be. If you need a Bûche de Noël in order for your Christmas celebrations to be complete, then you should probably check in advance whether this might be available – it’s not a dessert that you will generally find on the safari lodge menu.</div>
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<strong>4. Create your own traditions</strong></div>
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The best Christmas traditions are the ones that are unique to your family. If you choose the right lodge for your safari, you can create exactly the kind of Christmas that is right for you. A good option is Saadani Lodge on the northern Tanzania coast, which is known for its idyllic white beaches. Combining the best of bush, savannah, and beach, this is the kind of lodge that offers something for everyone. At Christmas time you can set your own agenda, dividing your time between game drives, boat trips on the river, or just hanging out at the lodge by the pool.</div>
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<strong>5. Christmas in Cape Town</strong></div>
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An ideal of making the most of your Christmas expedition is to begin with a safari through one of the game parks and then finish for Christmas celebrations in Cape Town. South Africa. Cape Town is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that has fantastic weather over the Christmas period. The locals will be firing up the braai (barbecue) and feasting on fresh seafood as they enjoy the outdoors lifestyle and beaches that Cape Town is famous for. One of the best beaches accessible from Cape Town is at Clifton – an affluent suburb of the city. There are four beaches here separated by large boulders. Each beach attracts a slightly different crowd, but they all offer clean, white sand and good surfing conditions.</div>
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<img alt="Clifton 4th beach" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-37326" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Clifton-4th-beach.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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Wherever you are in the world, Christmas is a great time to spend time with loved ones and do things that give you pleasure. For my family that meant travel and our Christmas safari was one of our most memorable Christmases ever.</div>
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<em>Javier Luque is a Co-Founder and Director of <a href="http://www.yourafricansafari.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Your African Safari</a>.</em></div>

5 of the best ways to celebrate Christmas on safari

As Christmas is rapidly approaching, it seemed a very appropriate time to touch upon some great reasons why an African safari is an excellent way to celebrate the festive season. Christmas is one of those occasions that is celebrated a myriad differ…

4 reasons you need to go to South Tyrol

01:44 Unknown 0

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South Tyrol is fast becoming one of Europe’s most interesting and luxurious destinations. Home to incredible cuisine, stunning landscapes, a unique fusion of cultures and an impressive wine scene, we’re wondering why everyone hasn’t been already. Just to ensure it stays at the forefront of your mind this summer, here are four reasons why you should go.</div>
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<strong>It’s the foodie capital of Italy</strong></div>
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Italy and food; they’re synonymous with each other, the land of pizza and pasta having moved into the realm of the gourmet and refined over the decades. Some of the best dishes we’ve ever eaten have been lovingly served in this vibrant country, but nothing we’ve had has been quite as unique, or quite as delicious as the flavours of South Tyrol. A hotbed for foraging and the implementation of fresh, local ingredients by chefs of undeniable passion and creative flair, you may be interested to know that this small (but mighty) destination boasts a whopping 22 Michelin stars across 19 restaurants. Foodie or not, your taste buds deserve some time in South Tyrol.</div>
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<img alt="Food in South Tyrol" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43363" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Food-in-South-Tyrol1.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<strong>It’s the home of some of the world’s best wines</strong></div>
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Continuing with the gourmet theme, we couldn’t forget to mention the delightful proliferation of world-class vineyards in South Tyrol. There are so many unmissable offerings; you’ll need to dedicate a day or two to the exploration (and tastings) of some of the best. With evidence suggesting the people of this region have been winemaking since the time of the Romans, they’ve had enough time to hone their skills. Journey down the “Wine road” along the valley of the River Adige and pay a visit to any of the 150 plus wineries that South Tyrol lays claim to. You can cycle, walk or have a driver take you between vineyards (the latter may be advisable after the 10<sup>th</sup> wine tasting of the day). The wines made from the grapes Gewürztraminer, Schiava/Vernatsch and Lagrein, which area indigenous to the area, are the ones to look out for.</div>
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<img alt="Vineyards in South Tyrol" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43364" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Vineyards-in-South-Tyrol.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<strong>The landscapes are simply astounding</strong></div>
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A trip to South Tyrol is never just about gorging on food and wine. It’s one of the best places in Europe for a bit of outdoor adventure, boasting the Dolomite Mountains, scenic walking and cycling trails, alpine forests and rolling hills. Invigorating hike, adrenaline inducing ski or leisurely cycle; whichever way you choose to absorb South Tyrol’s scenery, you’re sure to be blown away. The different times of year offer perfect conditions for an array of activities, which brings us on to our next point…</div>
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<img alt="Landscapes in South Tyrol" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43365" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Landscapes-in-South-Tyrol.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<strong>It’s a year-round destination</strong></div>
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That’s right. South Tyrol leaves its visitors enamoured all year round. In winter travellers enjoy the abundance of luxury mountainside lodges whose unique spa treatments relax those who have been out on the slopes all day, heli-skiing and taking in views of the Dolomites. Then comes spring, when foodies delight at the countryside coming to life and head out to forage with Michelin starred chefs before returning to the kitchen to create their own masterpieces. Summer sees long, balmy days descend upon South Tyrol, providing plenty of daylight hours in which to discover the beauty and flavours of the area’s vineyards. Even autumn has its own charms and a unique atmosphere. The fall colours of the countryside are a photographer’s dream whilst the fruit pickers come out in force.</div>
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<img alt="Ski in South Tyrol" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43366" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Ski-in-South-Tyrol1.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<em>Tom Marchant is Co-founder of <a href="http://www.blacktomato.com/" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Black Tomato</a>.</em></div>

4 reasons you need to go to South Tyrol

South Tyrol is fast becoming one of Europe’s most interesting and luxurious destinations. Home to incredible cuisine, stunning landscapes, a unique fusion of cultures and an impressive wine scene, we’re wondering why everyone hasn’t been already. Ju…

Bwindi: luxury for less

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Mountain gorilla trekking is, for most people, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers an opportunity to spend one thrilling hour with extraordinary primates.  Just three countries house these amazing, and threatened, creatures: DR Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. Rwanda’s and Uganda’s tourism infrastructure is significantly more developed than that of DR Congo and, as a result, they receive the bulk of the gorilla-trekking visitors. Because trekking permits are limited in number and have been increasing in price (current price at time of publishing ranges from $600 to $750 for one permit in high season), it’s important to plan well in advance.</div>
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<img alt="Baby mountain gorilla" class="size-full wp-image-43390" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Baby-mountain-Gorilla..jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<strong>When to book a mountain gorilla trek</strong></div>
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There are two main seasons: a wet (low) and dry (high) season. The wet season sees more rains and is generally from March through May and again from September through November. The dry season runs from December through February and again from June through August. It is no surprise, then, that the vast majority of visitors frequent Bwindi (Uganda), Volcanoes (Rwanda) and Virunga (DR Congo), during the high season. But, along with the comfort of drier socks and better vistas comes the necessity to book much further in advance and pay higher lodging fees.</div>
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<strong>Why Bwindi in the low season is the way to go</strong></div>
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If you’ve dreamed of seeing the mountain gorillas and are in good physical condition, you may want to consider visiting during the low season. Why? For starters, Bwindi is home to roughly half of the 800 mountain gorillas left in existence. The remaining gorillas are spread across Mgahinga (Uganda), Volcanoes and DR Congo. Bwindi also offers significant discounts on permits issued during the low season. A $600 permit will run you $350. Same goes for lodging: you’ll get the same luxury accommodation for less and, most probably, the overall price of your tour will be lower. And, while it’s true the trekking conditions are more treacherous when the conditions are misty and wet, it’s also true that the gorillas often are not as far away, since they’ve an abundance of food during the rainy season. This means you won’t have to trek as far to see them. And, as an added bonus, the low season is also an excellent time for spotting migratory birds.</div>
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In summary, a visit to Bwindi in the off-season is an excellent way to experience mountain gorilla trekking without the crowds, and without paying full price. Just be sure to bring your waterproofs and some extra socks!</div>
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<em>Javier Luque is a Co-Founder and Director of <a href="http://www.yourafricansafari.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Your African Safari</a>.</em></div>

Bwindi: luxury for less

Mountain gorilla trekking is, for most people, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers an opportunity to spend one thrilling hour with extraordinary primates. Just three countries house these amazing, and threatened, creatures: DR Congo, Rwanda…

Temple of the Three Windows, Machu Picchu

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Machu Picchu in Peru is one of the most amazing archeological discoveries of all time. This picture, taken at the Temple of the Three Windows, required quick reflexes as the clouds suddenly opened up to full sun in the blink of a eye. The spectacular 4,000 metre (13,000 foot) mountains surrounding Machu Picchu only add to the beauty and wonder of the site.</div>
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<img alt="Temple of the Three Windows, Machu Picchu" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43147" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Temple-of-the-Three-Windows-Machu-Picchu.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<em>Thank you to Mike Torrey of <a href="http://www.machupicchubook.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">MachuPicchuBook.com</a> for permission to reproduce the image.</em></div>

Temple of the Three Windows, Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu in Peru is one of the most amazing archeological discoveries of all time. This picture, taken at the Temple of the Three Windows, required quick reflexes as the clouds suddenly opened up to full sun in the blink of a eye. The spectacula…

Top 5 things to do in Cappadocia, Turkey

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Take to the skies with a hundred other hot air balloons and spot some sci-fi scenery at sunrise, then head underground to explore the ancient cave cities. Whether you’re above or below the ground, one thing is for sure – Cappadocia is a totally magical place! Read on for our top 5 suggestions on what to see and do.</div>
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<img alt="Cappadocia" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43131" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Cappadocia-1.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<strong>1. Go hot air ballooning</strong></div>
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Cappadocia is officially the most popular place in the world to go hot air ballooning. Every morning, around 100 balloons take off at the same time, creating a magical sky. The aerial views are incredible, and will give you the chance to spot some of the main landmarks including the famous fairy chimneys, Uchisar Castle and Devrent Valley.</div>
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<img alt="Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43130" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Cappadocia-2.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<strong>2. Visit the Fairy Chimneys and Love Valley</strong></div>
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The region in Turkey is famous for its incredible rock formations, but you don’t need to be a geologist to appreciate them! Several volcanic eruptions, followed by natural weathering and erosion has created a mesmerising landscape of craters, standing stones, valleys, and red canyons. It’s unlike anywhere else on the planet, so make sure you have plenty of space on your camera!</div>
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<img alt="Fairy Chimeys, Cappadocia" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43132" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Cappadocia-3.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<img alt="Love Valley, Cappadocia" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43133" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Cappadocia-4.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<strong>3. Visit <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaymakl%C4%B1_Underground_City" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Kaymakli Underground City</a></strong></div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaymakl%C4%B1_Underground_City" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Kaymakli</a> is one of 36 underground cities in the region built thousands of years ago and once used by Christians to hide from Roman armies. Around half of it is open to the public, with the chance to explore underground churches, storage rooms, kitchens, wineries and more.</div>
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<strong>4. Visit <a href="http://www.goreme.com/goreme-open-air-museum.php" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Göreme Open-Air Museum</a></strong></div>
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No trip to Cappadocia is complete without a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage. Check out the medieval cave churches dating back to the 10th Century, and marvel at the detailed frescoes and designs still visible to this day!</div>
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<img alt="Göreme Open-Air Museum, Cappadocia" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43134" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Cappadocia-5.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<strong>5. Stay in a cave hotel</strong></div>
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After a long day exploring all the many wonders in the region, relax in a unique boutique cave hotel. The majority of the hotels in Cappadocia are beautifully designed, incorporating many of the old cave features, alongside modern amenities. <a href="http://www.kalekonak.com/" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Kale Konak Cave Hotel</a> is one of the top choices in the area, sitting high up next to Uchisar Castle, and providing incredible views across Göreme and beyond.</div>
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<img alt="Cave hotel, Cappadocia" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43135" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Cappadocia-6.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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A trip to Cappadocia offers the perfect break from the vibrant, frenetic city of Istanbul. So next time you think about booking a holiday Turkey, skip the resorts, and go on a Cappdocian adventure!</div>

Top 5 things to do in Cappadocia, Turkey

Take to the skies with a hundred other hot air balloons and spot some sci-fi scenery at sunrise, then head underground to explore the ancient cave cities. Whether you’re above or below the ground, one thing is for sure – Cappadocia is a totally magi…

Bringing your luxury travel memories back to life through artisan crafts

22:31 Unknown 0

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Those of you who travel regularly and have an interest in different cultures around the world will, I’m sure, have one or two much-treasured items at home that serve as mementos from those trips. You might also have a story or two to tell in terms of the difficulties you went through in finding the item you wanted or the practicalities of getting it home. Or perhaps there’s an item you saw that wasn’t quite the quality you were hoping for, or you had concerns for the working conditions for the people behind it, or the logistics of bringing it back.</div>
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<img alt="DARA Artisans" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43007" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/DARA-Artisans.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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This is where <a href="http://www.daraartisans.com/?utm_source=altb&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=june2015" rel="nofollow" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">DARA Artisans</a> – the brainchild of travellers Dara and Dan Brewster – comes in. Unlike the many artisan crafts you’ll stumble upon from extensive Google searches, DARA caters specifically for the luxury market with products sourced from all over the world. There’s a strong emphasis upon design and style in the products they feature, and in some cases DARA even commissions new products.</div>
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Largely owned and run by women, many of the artisans are also women. In particular, one of the Brewsters’ primary objectives in creating DARA was to improve the lives of women artisans in developing countries.</div>
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Carmen Myers of Myelo is one such example. She has facilitated economic opportunities for artisans in Kenya, enabling Masaai women to understand the true value of their time, skills and craft. Her company already employs in the region of 80 artisans, skilled in everything from beadwork to brass design. Some of Myelo’s profits are re-invested into those very same people through a not-for-profit organisation that Carmen also runs. For example, a brass maker’s workspace has been renovated so that it can be expanded and production increased.</div>
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<img alt="DARA Artisans" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43009" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/DARA-Artisans-2.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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Similarly, Mulberries is a silk farming and handicraft cooperative led by Kommaly Chanthavong that has seen the revival of the Lao practice of silk production, helping the social and economic development for as many as 3,000 farmers, weavers and artisans from over 200 village families. They produce an heirloom textile and beautiful scarves that can be purchased through the DARA Artisans website.</div>
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<img alt="DARA Artisans" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43008" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/DARA-Artisans-3.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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If your sense of wanderlust is growing, but your schedule does not allow for travel, DARA allows you to explore other cultures from your living room. If you are looking for a gift to give to a friend or family member, DARA offers a range of opportunities that will reflect your values as an ardent traveller and student of other cultures. If you are looking for a place to buy an exquisitely made artisan craft that reflects your personal style and will also help an artisan better provide for her family, DARA is your answer. To start you on your journey, DARA is offering A Luxury Travel Blog readers a 20% discount on all purchases made on or before July 15, 2015, by using the promo code ALTB 20, and, for orders to be shipped to EU or UK countries, DARA will pay shipping for orders over $750.00 (purchasers should email heretohelp@daraartisans for more information).</div>

Bringing your luxury travel memories back to life through artisan crafts

Those of you who travel regularly and have an interest in different cultures around the world will, I’m sure, have one or two much-treasured items at home that serve as mementos from those trips. You might also have a story or two to tell in terms o…

Top 5 hidden hotels of Sri Lanka

22:30 Unknown 0

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If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, the best way experience the island’s rich diversity is to circumnavigate the country on a round tour. Sri Lanka is famed for golden beaches, elephant-inhabited wildlife reserves and ancient temples, yet there is so much more to see if you step a little off the tourist trail: cloud-capped mountains for trekking, hills ringed by tea bushes and historic homesteads set in magical rural surroundings. The following is our guide to five of Sri Lanka’s best hidden hotels, in the natural order of a typical round tour itinerary.</div>
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<a href="http://www.thewallawwa.com/" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><strong>The Wallawwa</strong></a></div>
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Although just 15 minutes’ drive from Sri Lanka’s international airport, this historic manor house-turned-boutique hotel feels worlds away.  Set in three acres of 200-year-old tropical gardens amidst idyllic rural countryside, this is the oldest manor house of its kind in the area, and dates back to the eighteenth-century Dutch colonial period.  Having been beautifully refurbished and extended, it now has 17 stylish rooms and suites, a superb restaurant supported by produce from the hotel’s organic garden and an indulgent spa.</div>
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<img alt="The Wallawwa, Gardens and Pool" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43232" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/The-Wallawwa-Gardens-and-Pool.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.bv-retreat.com/" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><strong>Bougainvillea Retreat</strong></a></div>
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Just 40-minutes’ drive east of Kandy and the island’s famous Temple of the Tooth is the <a href="http://www.bv-retreat.com/" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Bougainvillea Retreat</a>, a serene 8-room hotel set amidst a personable Tuscan-style villa. Despite the well-stocked library, spa and underground cinema, the biggest draw here is the idyllic pool, views of the mountains and the experiences that can be enjoyed in the surrounding area: trekking in the Knuckles or Hantane ranges, or perhaps enjoying the hospitality of a renowned local artist at his home in Kandy.</div>
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<img alt="Bougainvillea" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43228" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Bougainvillea.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.koslanda.com/" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><strong>Living Heritage Koslanda</strong></a></div>
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Travel south from Kandy over the island’s highest ranges to the south-easterly edge of the Hill Country to little-known Koslanda, a hillside hamlet ringed by ancient rubber plantations.  It’s also home to one of the island’s most secluded retreats. <a href="http://www.koslanda.com/" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Living Heritage Koslanda</a> is a four-bedroom boutique hotel immersed in 60 acres of gardens and wildlife-filled forest. This is the perfect place to relax and unwind, or explore the rich surroundings. We love the walk down to a secret waterfall where, if you’re lucky, you might glimpse passing elephants.</div>
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<img alt="Living Heritage" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43231" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Living-Heritage.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.kahandakanda.com/" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><strong>Kahanda Kanda</strong></a></div>
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When it comes to Sri Lanka’s beach-blessed south coast, many opt to stay right by the sea, but step inland and you get the best of both worlds.  Just inland from Koggala, and a 30-minute drive from Galle, is <a href="http://www.kahandakanda.com/" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Kahanda Kanda</a>, a boutique hotel set on its own 12-acre hilltop tea estate. Tea is grown abundantly on Galle’s lowland hills and a stay here lets you experience the island’s tea culture just 30 minutes from the beach.  The lavish suites and living and dining areas perch in pavilions on a ridge enjoying views across tea fields, jungle and Koggala Lake.</div>
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<img alt="Kahanda Kanda dining pavilion over pool" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43229" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Kahanda-Kanda-dining-pavilion-over-pool.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.casacolombo.com/" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><strong>Casa Colombo Collection, Colombo</strong></a></div>
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Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo is no secret, however many bypass the city on their way in or out of the country.  In the last few years, the city has improved dramatically, with its share of sights, exciting shopping, diverse restaurants and bars, and is well worth a stop of a night or two. Where to stay? At <a href="http://www.casacolombo.com/" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Casa Colombo</a> in downtown Bambalapitiya, a unique hotel famed for its retro-chic interior design.  It’s housed in a 200-year-old Moorish mansion and promises indulgences in the form of private butlers, spacious suites and a pink pool.</div>
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<img alt="Casa Colombo" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43227" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Casa-Colombo.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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<em>Katie Cosstick is the PR Manager at <a href="http://www.coxandkings.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Cox & Kings</a>.</em></div>

Top 5 hidden hotels of Sri Lanka

If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, the best way experience the island’s rich diversity is to circumnavigate the country on a round tour. Sri Lanka is famed for golden beaches, elephant-inhabited wildlife reserves and ancient temples, yet there …

4 amazing castles in France

22:29 Unknown 0

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If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury holiday, you simply can’t beat a trip to France. And to push the envelope even further, book some accommodation in a genuine castle. Living like royalty for a weekend will be an experience you will never forget. Awe inspiring castles around the world are favourites among photographers and travellers, but nothing can compare to actually living in one. So, without further ado, here’s our top 4 amazing castles in France.</div>
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<a href="http://www.chateauchallain.com/" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><strong>Chateau de Challain, France</strong></a></div>
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With 12 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms and big enough to sleep 28 people, this spectacular castle is a sight to behold, with an interior that would leave guests stunned. Located in one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790; Maine-et-Loire. known as the Garden of France, the Loire Valley boasts and abundance of Vineyards and fruit orchards, it is one of the world’s most well-known areas for wine production.</div>
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<img alt="Chateau de Challain" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43245" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Chateau-de-Challain.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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The castle itself is situated on beautiful grounds filled with gardens and only 30 minutes from Paris via high speed train. Guests are spoilt by staff, with all meals included. Both the exterior and interior are styled with wood sculptures, gothic panelling, large fire places and French painting on the ceilings.</div>
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<a href="http://www.chateauxmirambeau.com/" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><strong>Chateau de Mirambeau, Charente, France</strong></a></div>
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This 11th century castle is perfect for large gatherings, with 24 bedrooms, 24 bathrooms and enough room for 48 people.The castle is situated near Cognac in Southwest France, and was established on the site of a medieval wood fortress. If you are a Brandy enthusiast, then you will likely be familiar with Cognac as the name of a world famous type of Brandy. The town of Cognac gives its name to drinks made in the area, and are held to very strict regulations to be branded with the famous name.</div>
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<img alt="Chateau de Mirambeau" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43246" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Chateau-de-Mirambeau.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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During your stay at this amazing castle, you will have access to a gymnasium with a sauna, an outdoor swimming pool as well as in indoor spa pool. Once again, staff are available to make your stay even better. What better way to pass the time than sipping Brandy in the spa pool, then exploring the many lounges and living areas? Pure bliss.</div>
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<a href="http://www.chateaurobertfrance.com/" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><strong>Chateau Robert, Landes, France</strong></a></div>
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On an expansive 40 acres of landscaped grounds sits this stunning Chateau making for a magical and exclusive hideaway. It has a rather modest 7 bedrooms and bathrooms, and has room for 18 guests. As you’d expect, staff are available, and you even get the use of a car and driver to take you sightseeing, while there is plenty to keep you active at the Chateau. Make use of the tennis court, stroll through the gardens or enjoy a laid-back afternoon dip in the gorgeous swimming pool.</div>
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<img alt="Chateau Robert" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43243" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Chateau-Robert.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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Nestled into the beautiful region of Landes which is well known for Europe’s longest beach, Côte d’Argent with over 100km’s of coastline to explore, as well as it’s large pine forests. Fine sandy beaches makes for a wonderful day trip, or if you prefer you can spend the afternoon visiting sidewalk cafes and restaurants. There are also frequent festivals throughout the year.</div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2teau_de_Hattonch%C3%A2tel" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><strong>Chateau de Hattonchâtel, Vosges, France</strong></a></div>
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Overlooking the Wouvre Valley, no one can perfectly describe the beauty which this authentic Chateau portrays. An absolutely stunning 12 bedroom and bathroom Chateau that sleeps 26 people standing proud on the hillside with its gables, tall chimneys and pointed towers. Your stay includes meals served by staff, a grand dining room with open fireplace, amazing valley views and beautiful Surrounding gardens.</div>
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<img alt="Chateau de Hattonchatel" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43247" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Chateau-de-Hattonchatel.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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The Vosges, which is also known as the Vosges Mountains, is a mountain range in Eastern France along its border with Germany. It makes for very impressive scenery, and the area also has two major nature parks: The Ballons des Vosges Nature Park and the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park, and is perfect for exploring dense forests with impressive foliage and waterways.</div>

4 amazing castles in France

If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury holiday, you simply can’t beat a trip to France. And to push the envelope even further, book some accommodation in a genuine castle. Living like royalty for a weekend will be an experience you will never for…

5 Central and South American waterfalls that’ll leave you speechless

22:28 Unknown 0

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Waterfalls steal the show when you’re hiking through Central and South America. When you arrive at the waterfalls on this list, you’ll have made your way through some of the most lushly diverse environments in the world. These environments are also some of the most humid, so you’re likely to find a splash in the cascades irresistible.</div>
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When you’re hiking near waterfalls, take care not to slip on the nearby rocks or stone staircases. These are always quite slick with moisture, so make sure to wear shoes with good treads on your hike.</div>
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<strong>1. The Devil’s Cauldron, Baños, Ecuador</strong></div>
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The small town of Baños is one of the most popular destinations in Ecuador for outdoor activities. Right outside of town you’ll find the trail called La Ruta de Las Cascadas, which translates to “the route of the waterfalls” in English. Along the trail you’ll get to see some of the area’s most impressive waterfalls, including La Manto de la Novia and the Cascada de Agoyán. But the highlight of this trip is Pailón del Diablo, a mighty waterfall that gushes over the side of a steep cliff.</div>
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<img alt="Pailon Diablo" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43304" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Pailon-Diablo.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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There’s a twisting staircase that leads from the top of the waterfall to the base. This waterfall is so powerful that visitors wear rain gear when they’re descending the rocky staircase to keep the spray from soaking their clothes. Viewing platforms on the way down provide an opportunity for hikers to take a break and admire the torrential downpour.</div>
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La Ruta de Las Cascadas is located near Tungurahua Volcano, one of South America’s most active volcanoes. You can’t hike too close to this natural wonder, but you can see it spewing smoke from a distance.</div>
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<strong>2. Gocta Falls, Chachapoyas, Peru</strong></div>
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At 2,530 feet (771-m), Gocta Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. Gocta Falls only recently became a well-known destination for travellers. In 2005, a German visitor stumbled across it, and quickly realized that it was unknown worldwide.</div>
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<img alt="Gocta Falls" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43305" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Gocta-Falls.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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Gocta Falls owes its erstwhile lack of popularity to a local legend. Natives to the area grew up believing in a mermaid who lived in the pool at the base of the waterfall. The Gocta mermaid had a bad habit of drowning the men she seduced, and made the falls an unappealing place to visit. Visitors and locals will attest to the supernatural atmosphere that surrounds the waterfall.</div>
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It takes a couple of hours to hike to Gocta Falls from the small town of Cocachimba. During the drier months the waterfall becomes a narrow stream – it consists only of a white mist by the time it reaches the base of the falls. Gocta divides into separate cascades, forming two distinct drops. The pool you’ll find at the bottom is muddy looking, but the view looking up at this imposing waterfall is well worth the hike.</div>
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<strong>3. La Fortuna, Costa Rica</strong></div>
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Travelers typically stop in the town of La Fortuna at some point during their trip to see the Arenal Volcano. La Fortuna’s waterfall is located just 3 miles south of the town, and provides the perfect end to a day of hiking in Arenal National Park.</div>
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<img alt="La Fortuna" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43309" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/La-Fortuna.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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La Fortuna’s waterfall shoots over a mossy cliff and forms a small, blue-green gem of a swimming hole. This waterfall is 230 feet (70 m) tall. You can clamor over the rocky rim of the pool to splash in the cascade.</div>
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<strong>4. Oropendola, Costa Rica</strong></div>
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Oropendola Waterfall is located off one of the paths just outside of the Rincón de La Vieja National Park. You’ll pay a small admission to hike to the Oropendola Falls. From the main gait, it’s a 20-minute walk. This waterfall is 82 feet (25 meters) tall.  The bright-blue plunge pool narrows to a clear stream opposite the waterfall.</div>
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<img alt="Orupendula" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43308" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Orupendula.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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Before you visit the falls, take a hiking or horseback tour of the Rincón de La Vieja National Park. It is named after the Rincón de La Vieja Volcano, which erupted in 2011. Because of the fairly recent eruption, visitors cannot hike to the crater of the volcano. But Rincón de la Vieja National Park still has 34,000 acres (12,759 hectares) of wildlife to explore.</div>
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<strong>5. Río Celeste, Costa Rica</strong></div>
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Río Celeste waterfall is the highlight of the river that runs through Tenorio National Park. This river flows with strikingly turquoise-colored waters. In English, the word “celeste” translates to sky-blue.  You’ll probably hear words like “fairytale” and “magical” when people talk about the color of the water, but there’s a scientific explanation – the color comes from the calcium carbonate and sulphuric minerals in the water, courtesy of the nearby Tenorio Volcano.</div>
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<img alt="Rio Celeste" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43306" height="385" src="http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Rio-Celeste.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0px 0px 5px 10px; padding: 2px;" width="460" /></div>
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Travelers come to Tenorio National Park to see both the volcano and the surrounding cloud forest. This humid, misty environment occurs only at high elevations. It allows moss, bromeliads, and orchids to grow in abundance, adding to the otherworldly appearance of the sky-blue river.</div>
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Although this isn’t the tallest waterfall on our list, it is fairly wide, and the force of the water will probably keep you from swimming directly under the cascade. It’s a memorable spot to take a dip, and you can reach it after an hour of hiking. You can also enjoy the waters of the Río Celeste in the hot springs that bubble near the waterfall.</div>

5 Central and South American waterfalls that’ll leave you speechless

Waterfalls steal the show when you’re hiking through Central and South America. When you arrive at the waterfalls on this list, you’ll have made your way through some of the most lushly diverse environments in the world. These environments are also …