Bangkok Floating Markets

Bangkok is a unique city that still follows its traditions and customs, one of  which is the Floating Market. There are several within the city, one of which has been in existence for over 140 years, in the Thai tradition. The farmers often are selling the fruits and vegetables they have grown themselves. Each pontoon offers its own fare, including tradtional Thai herbs, noodles, curries and fish. The old wooden style houses surround many of the market areas, completing the feeling of typical Thai tradition. The homes, though old, are well kept and add to the ambience of the floating market.

In the center of Bangkok the Talin Chan floating market functions as expected, but with antique toys and souvenirs for sale. You may find art, places of worship and a mix of Thai and Chinese cultures in the areas, also.

The markets are open on Saturdays and Sundays from early morning until mid to late afternoon, depending on location. Take your cameras to capture the colors and special atmosphere. A visit to Bangkok should certainly include a traditional and cultural visit to one of the floating markets.

Tiwi Islands of Australia

The Tiwi Islands are just a short flight (20 minutes across the Timor Sea) from the mainland of the Northern Territory in Australia, but they are a world away in tradition. Though Bathurst and Melville are just 80 km from Darwin, they are not accessible without a tour. When you arrive you will be warmly greeted by the Aboriginal people who inhabit the island and diligently continue the traditions of their ancestors. Thought their lives are modern, their culture is still intact as one of the oldest living cultures.

The islands offer so much beauty in their beaches, rainforests and rock pools as well as their people. Nguiu is the city of arrival and the tour you take is owned by the Tiwi people. They are your guides as you visit their village and arts and crafts.

They will share their “smoking” ceremony with you once they are properly painted to perform. The ceremony is actually a blessing and they enjoy performing their dancing, singing and tradition for their guests.

Their cemeteries are very sacred and you are not allowed to photograph their totems or holy places. You will be curious, but should also be respectful of their wishes.

Their artwork is renowned and you will have the opportunity to enjoy and purchase fabrics, carvings, and other handicrafts created by the Tiwi people.

They will spoil you with billy tea and damper as a thank you for visiting them and letting them share a part of their lives with you.

For a unique cultural experience in Australia, you should take the time to see the Tiwi Islands and learn their unique customs and culture.

BALI

The very name of this lovely unspoiled island conveys an aura of magic - a favored sea kissed haven of volcanic mountain, lakes and rivers, terraced rice fields, giant banyans, palm groves and sun-dappled roads that lead past peaceful villages and markets to tucked away bays, bordered by white sandy beaches.  

Bali is a great stopover en route to Down under, travelling around the Pacific or around the World

Bali is also a fabulous one-stop vacation destination.  Bali is also  perfect for honeymoons. Or just a luxury getaway to relax!!!

   

Kenya - Sekenani Camp

Kenya is an amazing country in East Africa. One of the very special camps you should visit is Sekenani Camp, located on the boundary of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, the heart of big game country in the southern part of the country. Simple, elegant, comfortable permanent tents are set in the gorgeous bush. This camp of 15 tents is managed by 26 local families who share in the business. The freshly prepared cuisine is excellent and the bar is well stocked.

The camp is built at the source of the Sekenani River and the tents are large and built on platforms, offering both privacy and seclusion.They are ensuite and beautifully appointed, connected to the dining room by a suspension bridge.  The river rises from a rock pool at the east end of the camp and forms the stream which flows in front of each tent.

After a day of game viewing in the most popular wildlife park in Kenya, you will enjoy the log fire  on the veranda while having "sundowners" before dinner. The music is the sounds of the birds and other creatures of the bush. Simple Sekanani elegance, style and amazing experiences await.

Australia - Luxury Spa retreat "Special"

Save $1,200 per Couple at Spectacular Australian Resort
Luxuriate in the gourmet offerings and spa treatments of Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa in the Greater Blue Mountains of Australia. Your stay includes two nights' accommodation, all meals, most beverages, two nature activities daily, a spa treatment, and a take home gourmet or spa pamper pack. Virtuoso rates FROM AU$1,470 (approx US$1,489) per person. Available January 6 - March 31, 2011.

Germany - Villa Kennedy

After a long flight we landed in Frankfurt to spend a couple of nights before our onward travel and selected Villa Kennedy, which opened in 2006. It was originally the home of a wealthy banking family. Frankfurt is the financial capital of continental Europe, so you can imagine the special home this was. After a wonderful restoration this property has become a haven of luxury for those fortunate to be staying here. The art deco and minimalist style offer a tasteful look and the classic rooms are perfect for staying a night or two. Attention to detail and luxury is apparent in the spacious bathrooms and decor.

To freshen up after a long flight, you may choose to take a swim in the pool or workout in the gym. If you would prefer to be pampered there is the Spa, which should be prebooked.

In the German style of efficiency, Villa Kennedy provides luxury, charm and warmth, creating a desire to return. Virtuoso amenties are offered to clients booking with their preferred Virtuoso travel consultant.

Australia - Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Rainforest in tropical north Queensland is not experiencing the horrendous flooding that exists in Rockhampton and Bundaburg regions, 1,000 kms. south of them. Happily, they are enjoying beautiful weather with birds, wildlife, waterfalls and streams to assault the senses. 

There's Nothing Like Australia, so maybe this is the time to pack your bags and travel to the world heritage rainforest that boasts the only place on earth where two world heritage sights meet-the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

Silky Oaks is an exclusive luxury  property on the lovely Mossman River near the spectacular Mossman Gorge. You will find hiking and rainforest experiences, as well as fine dining at this well respected eco lodge. There are 50 river and treehouses with verandas perched within the area. The gardens and rainforest offer a relaxing setting. And if that isn't enough, enjoy the Healing Waters Spa to take you to the edge of tranquility.

There's Nothing Like Australia! Contact a Premier Aussie Specialist to book your trip.

Thailand-Elephant Hills luxury tented capm

A new luxury tented camp is opening in Thailand called Elephant Hills. With the style of the African camps in mind, it offers the flavor of the Thai tropical forest atmosphere.
Soft adventure will be the theme and you will have many activities to enjoy. You may choose to ride an elephant through the forest or take a canoe trip on the scenic Sok River. There is hiking for all skill levels or you may want to explore the mangroves, spot wildlife or learn a little about Thai cooking. You can take a jungle safari or a cruise on a Burmese junk.
You can create your own vacation or book one of the many multi day options they have put together. Call your travel advisor to help you decide what works best for you!

Africa-Masai Mara-Serian Camp

SERIAN CAMP is the bush home of Alex Walker, a filmmaker and a guide in the Masai Mara. This exclusive camp sits along a secluded valley of the Mara River. In the shade of the walburgia trees, the private luxury tents view the water in a tranquil setting. The Masai Mara has a wealth of wildlife and Serian Camp offers some of the best game viewing you will ever find in Africa while luxuriating in outstanding comfort in a very special setting.

As evening settles in, guests are guided by a trail of flickering flames to the roaring fire for drinks prior to their bush supper under the clear African sky. The radio alert let us know we were about to see a very special resident. We bundled into the safari vehicles to see the famous local star, the leopard, Zawadi from Big Cat Diaries, as she playfully stalked a scrub hare not too far from our camp. As we watched, her interest fell upon our bush supper and she began heading toward the candlelight. That didn't last long and she wandered off into the darkness of the night. We were glad she changed her mind, but being out in the African bush offers so many unique and amazing wildlife experiences to treasure. Each moment is a memory.

Australia - Melbourne's Hidden Secrets Tour

As any first time visitor to a city knows, there are the icons, the things you have heard about, the must-sees. What we don't know about are the hidden secrets of the city that the locals know and enjoy.

Well, now you can learn from the experts about the hidden secrets of Melbourne, a city of charming river front cafes and a great sense of style. (They say they can tell a person from Melbourne, because she wears "black".) Well, there is plenty of color in Melbourne and the alleyways and hidden treasures prove this city is not monochromatic.

Take the Hidden Secrets Tour to learn about the graffiti on Croft Alley, the dreaded Yellow Peril, the charming antique shops and restaurants off the beaten track. You are in for some special treats and surprises, so don't miss this tour. Ask your premier Aussie Specialist about this one!

Africa - Tanzania's Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park
The largest and oldest National Park in Tanzania is the Serengeti National Park. The word Serengeti comes from the Masai word for "endless plain This park of 14,763 square meters is famous for the great Wildebeest Migration when over one and a half million of these animals, along with over 250,000 zebra trample the land of the Western Corridor during the months of May-July. This is swampy land with black clay soil and they move through here on their way to the Northern Corridor of hills and woodland that stretch to the Kenya border during July and August. They complete their circuit in October in the South where the grassy plains are sprinkled with granite florations.

The Serengeti boasts the largest lion population in Africa due to the abundance of prey. Game here consists of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, impala, topi, buffalo and more. During the wet season there are large numbers of these and other animals to see. There are also approximately 500 species of birds liviing here. The photographic opportunities are endless in this World Heritage Location.

Thailand -Elephant Hills luxury tented camp

Thailand is opening its first luxury tented camp called Elephant Hills. With the style of the African camps in mind, it offers the flavor of the Thai tropical forest atmosphere. Soft adventure will be the theme and you will have many activities to enjoy. You may choose to ride an elephant through the forest or take a canoe trip on the scenic Sok River. There is hiking for all skill levels or you may want to explore the mangroves, spot wildlife or learn a little about Thai cooking. You can take a jungle safari or a cruise on a Burmese junk. You can create your own vacation or book one of the many multi day options they have put together.