Thứ Sáu, 28 tháng 9, 2012

Very Thai Exhibition in front of ZEN in Bangkok

One of the best books about Thai culture and life, Very Thai by Philip Cornwel-Smith, now has a photo exhibition in front of ZEN in Bangkok. The exhibition runs from now until 6th December 2012. ZEN is part of the CentralWorld complex and has easy access from BTS Chidlom. The free exhibition is outside so check the weather report first. For more information, check out the Facebook page for Very Thai.

“Flow Tour Asia 2012″ Tournament on Saturday 29 Septmeber

Thứ Năm, 27 tháng 9, 2012

“Always Prepare: Living with changes” Exhibition

A new exhibition has just opened at the Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC). The exhibition “Always Prepare: Living with changes” explores how we can prepare for the unexpected by reflecting on Thailand’s experiences with floods in 2011 and Japan’s Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995. The factors that determine how cities respond to natural disasters are different from those facing neighborhoods and individuals, as displayed in the three sections of this exhibit: ‘The City on the Floodplain’; ‘Neighborhood Life’, and ‘In the Know.’ From floodways built by the government, the way a coastal village has adapted to live in harmony with water, how to modify power and plumbing systems in existing homes, to DIY emergency kit—these preparations vary in term of size and complexity, but the thread that connects all of them is the creativity that reflects a real understanding of specific environmental conditions and the possibility of combining modern technology with traditional wisdom.

Thứ Bảy, 22 tháng 9, 2012

Full Schedule for Vegetarian Festival in Phuket 2012

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival has its origin in Amphoe Kathu around 180 years ago when a Chinese opera company travelled to the area and got sick with a fever. They kept to a vegetarian diet to honour the gods and the sickness disappeared. The locals developed a strong faith in vegetarianism and the annual Vegetarian Festival started up and still continues today. It is believed that by refraining from meat consumption for 10 days during this event purifies mind and soul and brings good luck. Before the festival begins, Ko Tengpoles, bamboo with lanterns attached to the branches, are erected at all the 18 shrines in Phuket to symbolise the presence of the deities. When the poles are raised on the first day, it is believed that the gods descend into the shrine at midnight signaling the start of the festival.

Highlight: On the 6th day of the festival, a religious procession takes place around the city. Part of this procession involves acts of face- and body-piercing. Throughout this period, many of the locals wear white clothes to represent purity.

Thứ Sáu, 21 tháng 9, 2012

Full Schedule for Royal Barge Procession Rehearsals 2012

The Thai Navy has started the royal barge procession rehearsals for the royal kathin ceremony which will take place on 9th November 2012. The procession will start from Rama VIII Bridge (Vasukri Pier) and go down the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun Ratchawararam, or Temple of Dawn, in the ceremony marking the end of Buddhist Lent. The procession will take place between 3pm and 5pm on 9th November. A fleet of 52 traditional barges and 2,200 oarsmen will participate in the procession. Eight small rehearsals will be carried out from 21st September to 29th October and two grand rehearsals on 2nd November and 6th November.

FULL SCHEDULE OF REHEARSALS:

  1. Friday, September 21, 2012
  2. Thursday 27 September, 2012
  3. Thursday, October 4, 2012
  4. Monday 8 October 2012
  5. Friday, October 12, 2012
  6. Friday, October 19, 2012
  7. Thursday, October 25, 2012
  8. Monday, October 29, 2012
  9. Friday 2 November 2012 (Dress Rehearsal)
  10. Tuesday, November 6, 2012 (Dress Rehearsal)
  11. Friday, November 9, 2012 (Final Event)

Thứ Tư, 19 tháng 9, 2012

Calypso Bangkok is now located at Asiatique The Riverfront

If you are planning on visiting the popular Calypso Cabaret Show in Bangkok, you should be aware that since 1st September 2012 they have moved to their new home at Asiatique The Riverfront. Show times are 8:15 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. To get there is easy. Take a skytrain to BTS Saphan Taksin and either take the free shuttle boat or take a taxi for the short ride down Charoen Krung Road to Asiatique. For more information please visit their website calypsocabaret.com or Facebook page facebook.com/calypsocabaret 

Thứ Ba, 18 tháng 9, 2012

Thailand International Balloon Festival 2012 in November

The popular Thailand International Balloon Festival has been running every year since 2007. The festival has been held in different places, for example, Pak Chong, Ayuthaya, and Nakorn Nayok. At each venue there has been different themes and different kind of activities; Cowboy Country, Ayuthaya Heritage and Adventure Sports. This year the festival will be held in Chiang Mai and the theme will be the Glow Night. Visitors are sure to be amazed by the sky glowing at night as the balloons rise. Visitors are also encouraged to wear or carry illuminated accessories in order to be part of the event. There will be music, food, soft drink, ice cream, hot dog, games, Lighting show, Night Glow, Mass launching of hot air balloons, free tethered balloon ride for visitors, etc. It is the photogenic event of the year.

Thứ Bảy, 15 tháng 9, 2012

Car Free Day in Bangkok on 23 September 2012

Cyclists in Bangkok will be joining with countless thousands of other people around the world to celebrate International Car Free Day over the weekend 22-23 September 2012. In Thailand in the past, only major cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai were organizing special car free days. But the last few years many more cities are joining in with activities. If you have a bicycle you too can join the events over the weekend.

The main event in Bangkok starts at the Royal Plaza (statue of King Rama V on a horse) at 8 a.m. on Sunday 23rd September. Over 10,000 cyclists have already registered an interest. If you are feeling ambitious, you can start at one of the meeting points listed below and then cycle to the Royal Plaza in a large group. Registration at these place is about 6-6:30 a.m.

Group 1 Main gathering point: Royal Plaza (King Rama V Statue/Suan Amphorn)
Group 2 Sukhumvit area: Benjasiri Park next to Emporium Mall
Group 3 Phetkasem area: The Mall Bangkhae
Group 4 The Mall Bangkapi
Group 5 Rama 2 area: Thonburirom Park
Group 6 Phaholyothin area: Pratu Krungthep Market
Group 7 Phuttamonthon area: Uttayarn Road
Group 8 TOT Chaeng Watthana Road Laksi
Group 9 Ramintra-At Narong Rd. World Bike
Group 10 Big C Ramintra Road KM.3
Group 11 The Mall TaPra Thonburi
Group 12 The Mall Ngamwongwan
Group 13 TOT Service poit at Klongtoey
Group 14 Suan Luang Rama IX Public Park

The big parade of cyclists will leave the Royal Plaza at 8:30 a.m. and head towards Lumpini Park where the official opening ceremony will start at 10 a.m. Silom and Sathorn Roads are expected to be closed to cars on this day. In addition, all cyclists are allowed to take their bicycles on the BTS Skytrain for free on both Saturday and Sunday.

Thứ Tư, 12 tháng 9, 2012

Top 20 International Tourist Arrivals for Thailand

The latest tourism figures have been released for Thailand and they are showing a 8.66% increase for January-August 2012 compared to the same period last year. In the first eight months of the year, Thailand has seen 14,344,333 international arrivals. So, who is sending the most tourists? Well, so far this year, we have seen a 35.38% increase in visitors from China. The numbers at the moment stand at 1,685,896 compared to 1,245,305 for the same period last year. Trying to catch them up are the Russians who have seen a 19.96% increase this year to 780,337 visitors. Two other countries with big rises include India (8.35% increase to 681,089) and Australia (15.31% increase to 621,122). Visitors from Malaysia have seen a -5.81% decrease though still formidable at 1,602,141. Other significant decreases include Taiwan (-26.25% down to 259,786), Sweden (-5% down to 231,365), Nepal (-5.72% down to 17,090) and Pakistan (-5.22% down to 48,345).

Top 20 International Arrivals to Thailand January to August 2012:

  1. China – 1,685,896 (+35.38%)
  2. Malaysia - 1,602,141 (-5.81%)
  3. Japan - 872,101 (+9.86%)
  4. South Korea - 756,736 (+4.61%)
  5. India - 681,089 (+8.35%)
  6. Laos - 652,749 (+4.81)
  7. Australia - 621,122 (+15.31%)
  8. UK - 567,870 (-0.32%)
  9. Singapore - 525,235 (+18.34%)
  10. USA – 500,385 (+9.68%)
  11. Vietnam - 443,322 (+22.16%)
  12. Germany – 432,171 (+6.39%)
  13. France – 392,502 (+10.02%)
  14. Hong Kong - 304,325 (-3.43%)
  15. Indonesia – 282,012 (-9.20%)
  16. Taiwan – 259,786 (-26.25%)
  17. Cambodia – 249,794 (+51.17%)
  18. Sweden – 231,365 (-5%)
  19. The Philippines – 191,998 (+1.11%)
  20. Canada – 145,897 (+10.41%)

Thứ Ba, 11 tháng 9, 2012

Top 5 Fall Trip Ideas

Only a few more days and you can consider summer officially over. That’s a real downer for the lovers of hot, sticky miserable weather. For everyone else, though, it’s actually great news. Autumn is the perfect time of year for those who adore mild weather. It’s not too chilly, the leaves start changing into a beautiful array of colors, the wineries really pick up their production during harvest, and, best of all, those vacation destinations aren’t nearly as crowded.

No matter what type of scenery you enjoy, you will undoubtedly find something to make you happy if you take a fall vacation. A quick tip before you head out on the road: Be sure to use a voucher, much like a hotels.com discount code, to ensure that you’re saving a lot of money on your trip. That being said, let’s take a look at five of the premier fall vacation destinations.

Best Autumn Vacation Locations

1: Smoky Mountains, USA

Smoky Mountains, USA

The Smoky Mountain range, located between North Carolina and Tennessee, gets its name from a blue mist that surrounds the entire area during the fall months, creating a beautiful atmosphere that can only be experienced in person. Apart from the misty mountaintops, there are also endless trails, beautiful waterfalls, and the encompassing cloak of the colorful foliage. With over half a million acres of forest, there’s plenty to see on a Smoky Mountain trip.

2: Munich, Germany

Munich, Germany

Munich, Germany is the premier destination on the planet for beer lovers, and there’s no better time to experience this famous city than in the autumn months. Can anyone say “Oktoberfest”? And while that’s the largest festival around, it’s far the only one happening throughout the Munich region during the fall months. With the sounds, sights, food and refreshments, Munich is definitely a place to see this time of year.

3: Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy

For anyone who has ever been to Italy on vacation, you already know that there’s no such thing as a bad vacation spot in this historic and gorgeous country. However, some locations are simply better than others in the chillier months, and Florence is Italy’s premier spot once the summer subsides. With its huge art culture, lush fall gardens, and a slew of historic sites, anyone would be smart to carve out some time in their calendars to see this city.

4: Napa Valley, USA

Napa Valley, USA

California rivals France in terms of wine production, and thus Napa Valley becomes one of the hottest spots on the globe once the fall settles in and those grapes are harvested. There are over 250 wineries in this region, and they’re all putting out new, fresh and exciting products around this time of year. You can probably even find a Thomson discount code to save money on a trip like this. Just hurry up and get there before those other thirsty tourists show up!

5: Provence, France

Provence, France

Provence is the perfect autumn location due to its geographic positioning. It sits directly between the French Alps and the Mediterranean, so you’re completely surrounded by world-class views. And since most of France’s visitors file out in late August, there’s a lot of room to experience France personally once fall comes. It’s also a family-friendly destination if you want to bring the kids along.

Autumn vacations remain underrated by and large, with most people wanting to travel in the thick of summer. But the savvy traveler knows full well the benefits of taking a fall vacation. Let these destinations listed above provide some inspiration to you before you take your next trip.

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Chủ Nhật, 9 tháng 9, 2012

Sunny Salou

Sitting snug on Spain’s Gold Coast, not far from bustling and cosmopolitan Barcelona, with the famous theme park Port Aventura nearby, Salou offers everything a sunshine break should, with a little added extra.

Flights head to Reus Airport regularly throughout summer, with many low-cost fares available. Cut costs even further, along with stress levels, by pre-booking airport extras, such as airport parking. I can’t rave highly enough about this service, eliminating the need for expensive airport taxis and giving peace of mind throughout the stress of travelling, especially with children. Check out East Midlands Airport Parking when flying regionally, or Stansted Airport Parking from the capital, and see what great deals you can find.

el darrer bany

The transfer from the airport is a short 15 minutes , depending on traffic and your hotel whereabouts, which is a great plus when the sun is beating down. The quicker you’re in resort, the quicker you can hit the beach!

The resort’s main beach is Platja Llevant, with golden sands, safe waters and plentiful water-sports. I’d recommend you try parasailing, the views are stunning and it’s great fun. If that’s not for you, then maybe a round of golf or a game of tennis is the order of the day.

Daytime activities do tend to be based around the beach, and this is the centre-point of the resort. However, there is a pretty promenade, perfect for a walk and a spot of people-watching – one of my favourite activities!

If you can, I’d recommend you hire a car and head to nearby Tarragona, to visit the old Roman Amphitheatre. This is a great place to visit for fans of history and architecture, and you’ll see some pretty scenery along the way.

Plaça Francesc Macià - Barcelona

So let’s talk shopping – another of my favourite things! Salou is great for a spot of retail therapy, and there is a weekly Monday market for something a little out of the ordinary to take home. Alternatively, nearby Barcelona is a huge, cosmopolitan city, and a shopper’s dream.

When you’re shopped out, beached out, golfed out, explored out, or whatever you choose to do, night-time offers something for everyone. There are many international restaurants around the resort, so there is something food-wise for everyone, however I’d recommend you do try some traditional Spanish food, with lots of fresh fish on the menu.

When your meal has digested, choose your evening’s entertainment from a huge range. If you want to party, you’re catered for, if you want to chill out, there are many quieter bars for you to sit and watch the world go by.

Sea, Salou, Ksenija

I think Salou is a great choice for a late family summer break, made even cheaper still with pre-booked airport extras, such as Luton Airport Parking Every penny saved helps go towards those all important holiday spends, making your holiday that little bit more fun.

For summer fun, not so far from home, Salou is the place to go.

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Thứ Sáu, 7 tháng 9, 2012

Alms Giving at Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya on 22 September

To commemorate the 2600th Anniversary of the Lord Buddha’s Enlightenment and International Day of Peace, there will be two events organized at Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya 21st-22nd September 2012. The first event is World Peace Light which will take place in front of Wat Mahathat on Friday 21st September from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. If you want to take part, please dress in appropriate attire, preferably in white or light colours. All seats in the public zone are free. In the Reserved Zone it is 500 Baht per seat and you will get a better view, better cushion, soft drink and light meal. All announcements are in Thai and English. For more information and reservation please contact 082-443-3209.

The second event is Morning Alms Offering to 126 Monks. This will take place on Saturday 22nd September 2012 from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Again this takes place in front of Wat Mahathat. In addition, there will be a chance to join a free session of Introduction to Meditation conducted by an English speaking monk. This will take place near the pond besides Wat Mahathat on Friday 21st September from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday 22nd September from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Please call 081 401 7676 for more information.

Thứ Năm, 6 tháng 9, 2012

“Faulty Towers the Dining Experience” at Anantara Bangkok Riverside

Offering interactive dinner theatre entertainment of side splitting British humour, Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa presents Faulty Towers the Dining Experience for six nights from 24th-29th October 2012.

Internationally acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, this madcap dinner show is a loosely scripted, pitch perfect tribute to the original British sitcom, Fawlty Towers. First broadcast in 1975, Fawlty Towers is a fictional hotel in the seaside town of Torquay on the “English Riviera”. The plots centre around tense, rude and put upon manager Basil Fawlty (John Cleese), his wife Sybil (Prunella Scales), a comparatively normal chambermaid Polly (Connie Booth), and the hapless Spanish waiter Manuel (Andrew Sachs). Each episode reveals their attempts to run the hotel amidst farcical situations and an array of demanding and eccentric guests.

Faulty Towers the Dining Experience is performed in restaurants and has been touring the world since 1997. Receiving huge critical and public praise, it has been a constant sell out show ever since it debuted at the Edinburgh Festival in 2008. To celebrate the show’s 15th anniversary, Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa will present this highly acclaimed slap stick dinner event from 7:00 pm-9:30 pm at the stylish Brio Restaurant.

Guests will arrive to toast welcome cocktails, before savouring a three course gourmet English dinner consisting of pickled smoked ham hocks and split green pea soup, rosemary and garlic spiked rack of lamb or fillets of turbot, and a traditional British dessert of bread and butter pudding, accompanied by free flowing soft drinks, beer and wine. Diners form the show’s audience and are entertained by a cast of warring waiters. In true Fawlty Towers style, everything that can go wrong does with hilarious consequences, with three talented actors impersonating Basil, Sybil and Manuel, delivering a loosely scripted, richly improvised and interactive theatre performance.

Faulty Towers the Dining Experience at Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa is priced at THB 3,700++ per person, and THB 3,500 including tax for group bookings of six people and more. Advanced reservation between 4 September and 18 September 2012 is priced at THB 3,500 including tax. Special packages with accommodation are also available. For more information and reservations, please call +66 (0) 2476 0022 Ext. 1416, email riversidedining@anantara.com

Book Fair at Terminal 21 this Weekend

9th International Arm Wrestling Championship in Pattaya on 29 September

Visitors Urged to Get “Miracle Thailand Card” for Discounted Shopping

Visitors to Thailand this high season should make it a point to ask their travel agents and tour operators for a “Miracle Thailand Card” to help them take advantage of discounted shopping during their stay. TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni said the TAT is supporting this initiative, launched by one of Thailand’s leading banks, the Krung Thai Bank (KTB), in partnership with the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), to help all visitors get better value for money from their shopping experience.

Offered as part of a campaign entitled, “Miracle Thailand Card for the Miracle Journey in Thailand”, the card is valid for use from now until December 31, 2012. This will make it perfect for those planning to do their shopping for the Christmas and New Year period while in Thailand.

Further details about the Miracle Thailand Card are as follows:

AVAILABILITY: The Miracle Thailand Card is available from Krung Thai Bank branches, KTB currency exchange booths throughout Thailand, members of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), and other travel agents in Thailand, as well as some Tourism Authority of Thailand offices. Purchasers have to register the card on this website

It functions as a debit card with a minimum stored value of US$3. The amount can be topped up at any KTB branch or KTB currency exchange booth throughout Thailand. Cardholders are advised to make a one time top-up to avoid exchange rate variations. Any remaining amount will be refunded upon surrendering the card at any KTB branch when departing Thailand.

PRIVILEGES:

  • Exclusive discounts of 5 to 70% from more than 400 brand-name stores at the top shopping centers in Bangkok: Siam Paragon, The Mall, The Emporium, Siam Piwat Group, MBK Centre, Siam Centre, Siam Discovery Centre, and Paradise Park.
  • King Power: 10% discount at King Power duty free shop.
  • Siam Niramit: 10% discount on show tickets.
  • Siam Park City: Only 750 Baht from 1,150 Baht (normal price) for both the entrance fee ticket and a buffet, when purchasing a minimum of park tickets.
  • Personal Accident Insurance valid for the first seven days after registration of the card.
  • Life insurance and loss-of-sight coverage of up to 1,000,000 Baht and travel accident medical expense coverage of up to 500,000 baht, and First Aid Medical Expenses of up to 10,000 Baht. No advanced payment is required for First Aid Medical Expenses at any 260 high standard hospitals throughout Thailand.
  • No surcharge for cash withdrawals from any ATM machines in Thailand, which helps save the cash withdrawal surcharge of up to 150 Baht usually levied by credit cards.
  • Automatic 5% discount upon showing the Miracle Thailand Card when buying normally-priced products in Power Mall, Gourmet Market, Home Fresh Mart (except Pharmacy, Wine Cellar, Food Hall, Food Court, Take Home, Park Food Hall, Serviced Shop and rental shops). The 5% discount applies even if cardholders pay by cash or regular credit card.

For further information, please visit the Miracle Thailand Card page at Krung Thai Bank.

Cycle Tour during Bangkok Car Free Sunday on 9th September

This month’s cycle event for “Bangkok Car Free Sunday” is taking place on 9th September. This is free for anyone to join. You don’t have to be an experienced rider. There will be some bicycles available for free at the event but numbers are limited so it is best to bring your own. The meeting point is at the Bangkok City Hall (in front of the Giant Swing) at 7:30 a.m. Departure time is at 8 a.m. This is an easy ride around Rattanakosin Island and is suitable for people of all ages and abilities.

Thứ Tư, 5 tháng 9, 2012

7-Eleven in Thailand to Sell National Park Tickets

First Look at the Free Tablet for Thai Students

It has been a long time coming, but the One Tablet Per Child (OTPC) election promise of the Thai government is finally coming together. Primary 1 students in some districts of Thailand have already started to receive their free tablets. In total 800,000 of the Chinese made tablets are expected to be distributed to schools around Thailand in the coming months. This will be done province by province in alphabetical order. In Samut Prakan Province, Primary 1 teachers have already attended a 3-day seminar to familiarize themselves with the device. Yesterday was the turn of school computer technicians and I was lucky enough to go along to have my first look.

What we have here is a 7 inch touchscreen device. For the techies, I can reveal that it weighs only 350g and has a 1.2Ghz ARM Cortex A8 processor, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. The device runs on  Android 4.0 “Ice Cream Sandwich” and comes pre-loaded with educational software. Teachers can also install more software by using a micro card or downloading from the Internet using WiFi. If a student loses a device, it would cost parents 2,640 Baht ($84) to replace it. There has been some negative newspaper reports about battery life, but with any touchscreen tablet, this will vary depending on your usage. So far, the average seems to be 3-5 hours which will be enough for a student to use during the day. After all, they are not using the tablets for every single lesson.

On the first screen you have the choice between Lessons, Books, Multimedia and Applications. If you choose “Lessons” you then get a second choice of “offline” or “online”. The latter means that you can get the most up-to-date lessons straight from the Internet. But, with “offline” there is already plenty to read that will take the students most of the year to go through. On the next screen you are given the choice of the 5 core subjects of Thai, Math, Social Studies, Science and English. What you get is a Flash application which is basically a talking book with animation. I read through the Social Studies subject and had chapters such as My School, My Family, Nature etc. It was all very well presented and I am sure that the students will find it interesting.

With the English subject there are two different Flash applications. The first one is produced by Genki English and seems to have all of their CDs which are for sale on their popular website. Hopefully the Thai government actually paid for the use of these CDs on the device otherwise they will get a large copyright infringement bill. But it is very good as it both teaches and tests the kids. The second application is made in Thailand. Like the other subjects, I am not sure how easy it will be for the teacher to use these in the classroom. It is more suited to self-study. I think the students will benefit greatly if they can take them home and learn by themselves.

As well as the pre-loaded applications, there is a desktop where you can load other software that can run on Android devices. There are also programs such as Instagram and GMail. As you can see from this screenshot, Angry Birds also works. However, the teacher doesn’t need to worry about the students installing their own programs as there is a password lock for installing which can be changed by the teacher. Overall I am very impressed with the tablet. The touchscreen was far more responsive than I thought it would be. The speed was also good. I am not sold yet on the benefits of using it in the classroom. But time will tell. The tablets should be arriving at the end of this month and I will be doing some follow up blogs here and over at www.ThaiSchoolLife.com on using Tablets in a Thai classroom.

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Thứ Ba, 4 tháng 9, 2012

The Top 5 Beaches in Hawaii for Surfing

As the birthplace of big wave surfing and the venue for many surf competitions, Hawaii’s got quite a reputation for its “sport of kings”. Pro surfers flock to Hawaii’s beaches every year in order to catch some of the most powerful waves in the world, while smaller, calmer beaches are a haven for beginners just starting to get on their feet. Whether you are looking for a spot to paddle out for your first surf lesson or a place to watch the pros take on monster swells, Hawaii’s got a range of surfing beaches to accommodate every type of rider.

1. Cove Park, Maui

Catering to first time riders, Cove Park has generally small, mellow waves and geographical conditions ideal for surfing. The water is quite shallow and as a result, small waves form far out and roll in until almost the shore. In the north end of Cove Park, surfing classes are held daily. Kihei is home to many surf schools, making this coastal area a great environment for gradually picking up and refining your skills. Though a great training ground for newbies, the water’s gentle waves will disappoint those looking for more of a challenge.

2. Waikiki Beach, Oahu

There is perhaps no beach more important to Hawaii’s surf culture than Waikiki. A surfing mecca, this is one of the best spots to ride your first wave. Even Hawaiian royalty used to enjoy surfing on Waikiki on early forms of longboards. Home to the famous Waikiki Beach Boys, these charismatic instructors revitalized surfing culture in the early 20th century. A statue of one of them, the legendary Duke Kanahamoku, welcomes you to the beach as a reminder of Waikiki’s glorious past. Today, the modern Waikiki Beach Boys carry on the legacy by offering surf lessons on Waikiki’s relatively gently waves.

3. Hanalei Bay, Kauai

This crescent-shaped beach is set against the backdrop of Kauai’s beautiful mountain ranges. Adored by residents and visitors alike, it has surf suitable for all levels, and attracts champions of the sport throughout the winter. Any surfer will tell you that when you wipe out, the last thing you want to be doing is hitting hard coral. In the summertime, Hanalei’s shallow, sandy bottom and gentle swells offer perfect conditions for beginners. Named the best beach in the United States in 2009, Hanalei Bay is less commercialized than Hawaii’s better known surf spots.

4. Sunset Beach, Oahu

Part of Oahu’s famed North Shore, Sunset Beach is home to many surf competitions throughout the winter months, including the Duke Kahanamoku Classic, named in honor of Hawaii’s famous “father of modern surfing.” With some of the longest waves in Hawaii, its giant reef break and complex swell interactions offer infinite possibilities for creativity. Massive barrel waves are suitable for experts only, but the wide sandy beach offers plenty of room for spectators. During the summer months, when the waves calm down, Sunset Beach becomes a popular swimming and snorkeling destination.

5. Ho’okipa Beach, Maui

Along with Honolua Bay, Ho’okipa Beach is the place to watch pro surfers in action. Strong currents and a rocky bottom can make Ho’okipa dangerous for beginners, so it’s best to observe from a safe distance unless you’ve got a fair bit of experience. Watch from a grassy cliff side viewing point overlooking the exciting “Pavilions” hotspot, or just lay out a blanket on the long, narrow, white sand beach. In the winter months, strong winds form massive waves with trailing whitecaps, a dramatic demonstration of the sheer force of the ocean.

Many vacation rentals and villas in Hawaii are in close proximity to amazing surfing beaches, and each has their own distinct character. If you look hard enough, you’ll find your match made in heaven! You don’t need to come face to face with 60 foot water walls at Peahi or the Banzai Pipeline to feel the rush of catching a wave – there are many nice beaches out there for novice and intermediate riders. Make sure to stay on top of surf conditions, as they can change dramatically from one season to the next. One thing’s for sure, Hawaii never fails to spoil those who come hungry for waves!

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Thứ Bảy, 1 tháng 9, 2012

The Best of UK Spa Breaks

Every now and again we all need to escape the stresses and strains of the modern world. If only we could hop on a plane to Thailand and find a suitable sanctuary as and when it were needed. Sadly most of us are firmly grounded in the UK, or simply travelling by; so here we present three of the best spa breaks in the UK, sanctuaries on our very own shores.

Babington House – Babington near Frome, Somerset (Reino Unido)

1. Babington House, Somerset

Britain’s hippest country house hotel set in 18 acres of grounds within the heart of Somerset. The vast range of facilities will appeal to both couples and families.

Those wanting to kick back and relax can head to the Cowshed spa for an organic beauty treatment and make use of the steam room, gym, aroma room and sauna. Families can spend some quality time together. With five tennis courts, a cricket pitch, croquet lawn and indoor and outdoor heated pools there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. Alternatively take a bicycle ride around the grounds and explore the lake, walled garden and private church.

The Main House has a stylish restaurant serving traditional British food and a contemporary bar. There’s also a traditional stone Orangery, Library, Snooker Room, Study and pool room.

The Teeny House is open daily offering crèche facilities for residents and members.

Spa in DVN

2. Thai Square Spa, Covent Garden, London

My last experience of Thai massage was down a back street off the Koh San Road with a scrawny women vigorously tugging at my limbs. The Thai Square Spa is an entirely different experience. Adorned with gold Buddha’s and lotus flowers you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked off to the Orient without the long haul flight. Supplied with Thai fisherman pants, slippers and a cup of rose leaf tea you can relax in tropical paradise.

The spa uses Erb products. A premium natural skincare range made in Thailand and inspired by ancient Thai herbal remedies and rituals. Erb uses natural Thai remedies including herbs, flowers and roots to create a range of products that are dedicated to the wellbeing of the mind, body and soul.

The open-air rooftop pool

3. Thermae Bath Spa, Bath, Wiltshire

The only place in the country where you can bathe in natural thermal waters. The waters contain over 42 different minerals and the water in all four baths is the optimum bathing temperature of 33.5 degrees. You can relax in the open air roof top pool and enjoy spectacular views over the city. Then enjoy one of the many treatments on offer. The Bamboo massage is highly recommended and involved a deep tissue massage with coconut oil and warm bamboo sticks.

The ‘Twilight for Two’ package is a superb evening which includes two 3 hour spa sessions followed a meal and drink for two at the Springs restaurant. (80 GBP per couple)

A superb day spa which can be enjoyed by couples or groups.

Wherever you head to relax and unwind, make the most of the many spa day offers that are frequently found on the internet.

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