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Maldives invites royal wedding couple to honeymoon in the sun

April 8, 2011 By Honeymoon Destinations Specialist Leave a Comment

Tourism authorities in the Maldives have sent an official invitation to Britain’s Prince William and his future wife Kate Middleton to travel to the Maldives for their honeymoon following the royal wedding, scheduled for April 29.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Naseem confirmed a formal invitation had been sent to British authorities, and that the Ministry was awaiting a response to the offer.

State Tourism Minister Thoyyib Waheed told Minivan News that the invite was sent through diplomatic channels in the hopes that the high-profile royal couple would opt to honeymoon in the country,  an offer he claimed  would be “a great honour for the Maldives” and its international reputation if accepted.

“It is a dream for any destination to be considered as a venue [for the royal honeymoon],” he said.  “With this invite, we hope there is a possibility it may happen.”

Bookkeepers in the UK are offering odds of 14:1 that the couple will choose the Maldives as their honeymoon destination, with other contenders including Sicily, The Seychelles, Kenya, Bermuda, and even Australia.

The wedding of Prince William, who is second in line to the British throne, has drawn massive levels of press coverage since the forthcoming nuptials of the country’s potential future king and his girlfriend were announced in November 2010.

Since that announcement, a wealth of companies, organisations and media outlets have moved to associate themselves with the huge international interest in what may become one of the year’s most viewed events.  From speculation over final designs for the wedding cake and bridal dress to the quality of commemorative crockery, all have become major headlines in the run up to event in the UK press.

The ceremony itself will take place at London’s Westminster Abbey on April 29. The UK government has declared the day a public holiday in honour of the royal couple.

Source: Minivanews.com

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Milan – City of Architectural Elegance

March 18, 2011 By Honeymoon Destinations Specialist Leave a Comment

Piazza del Duomo, MilanLook out any window in a Milan centre hotel – the architecture is sure to amaze you. From the historic centre to the environs of the city, Milan offers a variety of beautiful secular and religious structures. In A.D. 305, the city first became the capital of Western Europe. It retained this title for almost 100 years. Simultaneously, the city was the religious focal point of northern Italy. The resultant architectural beauties are one reason so many visitors come to Milan.

The Piazzo del Duomo – Gothic Cathedral and Palaces

Upon leaving your Milan centre hotel, head for the Piazza del Duomo. The plan for the Piazza is at the heart of medieval Milan. Streets radiate from here in all directions. Towering above your head, you will see the splendour of the white marble Gothic-style structure of the Duomo di Milano – the Cathedral of Milan.

Architects A. degli Organi, F. degli Organi, G. A. Amadeo, C. Solari, and P. Tibaldi contributed to its construction that began in 1386 and ended several hundred years later. This, the 4th largest church in the world, consists of a blend of various architectural styles including the original Gothic imported from France. The facade has a 17th century look, while the nave and several aisles date from the early 16th century.

The completed Duomo was host for the crowning of Napoelon as King of Italy in 1805. The cathedral is currently home to some fine monuments and artwork. Outside, look up – way, way up. On the tip of the tallest spire (109 m high), stands the Madonnina (Little Madonna) cast in 1774. The cathedral houses at least 96 gargoyles and countless statuary (approximately 3,400 statues). Inside, you can admire the three exquisite altars of P. Pellegrini, a magnificent marble altar in the transept, and the finely wrought Trivulzio Candelabra. A visit to the roof will provide you with breathtaking vistas of the city. You can see as far as the Alps on a clear day. Closer at hand, you can see all that Milan has to offer, including some of its fine palazzos.

The Palazzo Reale is a beautiful building. Damaged during World War II it currently houses an art gallery and museum. The fine arcade of the the Palazzo Settentrionale is interrupted by the monumental triumphal arch indicating the entrance of the 19th century shopping mall, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The Square is also home to the Palazzo Meriodonale. On either side of this palace stand two modernist structures called propylaea, dating from 1937.

Top Secular and Religious Marvels

Anyone staying in a Milan centre hotel must go to see that most famous of art works – The Last Supper, by Leonardo DaVinci. It resides in the 14th century convent Santa Maria della Grazie. Another example of 14th century architecture worth viewing is the Sforza Castle, once home to some of the city’s most famous families. For a church with design elements dating from the 4th century and continuing to the 16th, visit the San Lorenzo Maggiore. The mosaics are wonderful examples of 4th and 5th century detail, while the Portinari Chapel dates from 1462-1468.

For later Medieval and Renaissance structures, consider touring the Raglione Palace (1223-1238) and Santa Maria presso San Satiro (1479-1483). For a touch of the Baroque, wander over to the Palazzo Brera (1651) dating back to an arcaded convent of the 14th century. For neo-Classical design, attend a production at La Scala (1778) or visit Belgioiso Palace (1773-1781).

Looking for a Milan centre hotel Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for World Hotels, a company offering the best rooms at a Milan centre hotel and a selection of unique and four and five star hotels around the world.

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Trekking Peaks: Toubkal, Fansipan and Stok Kangri

February 14, 2011 By Honeymoon Destinations Specialist Leave a Comment
Snow Leopard Trek, Upper Dolpo , Nepal

Snow Leopard Trek, Upper Dolpo , Nepal - Photo © Mountain Kingdoms

Many people aspire to a trekking peaks challenge, whether it’s their closest mountain or one of the globally renowned peaks like Kilimanjaro or, for those who dream big, Everest.  The experience of reaching a summit is one of the most satisfying among outside pursuits – and often one of the most beautiful, with the views from the top sometimes spanning multiple countries.  There are countless mountains around the world, many of which are less well known than Kilimanjaro or Everest – but they are well worth trekking.  Peaks such as Toubkal in Morocco, Fansipan in Vietnam and Stok Kangri in India are both challenging and beautiful.

Toubkal, Morocco

Jebel Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains is the highest mountain in North Africa and offers an excellent trekking peaks challenge.  While journeying to the base camp, trekkers pass through a dramatic setting: rocky peaks and plunging valleys, where the Berbers have made their small settlements.  The route often incorporates Lac d’Ifni, the largest lake in the Atlas Mountains.  From the base to the summit is a short enough trek that it can be completed in time to watch sunrise.

Fansipan, Vietnam

Trekking peaks in Vietnam include Mt Fansipan, and offer a different experience to that in many other parts of the world.  Fansipan is Indochina’s tallest mountain, at 3,143 m (10,308 ft) above sea level, and might occasionally see a light dusting of snow.  It is a beautiful area of jungle and terraced rice paddies, tended by Vietnamese and the ethnic minorities that live in the hills of Indochina.

Treks to Fansipan’s peak typically begin in the hill town Sapa, where hilltribe women – primarily of the Black Hmong and Red Dzao ethnic groups – come to sell their vegetables and handicrafts at market.  The women are persistent; it is hard not to leave with hands full of beautifully embroidered bags, belts, curious musical instruments, and more.  Trekkers then climb towards Fansipan’s peak through terraces and jungle.  At the summit, they are treated to spectacular views of northern Vietnam and the neighbouring countries of Laos and China.

Stok Kangri, India

The Western Himalayas offer an excellent experience trekking. Peaks here are high; Stok Kangri, for instance, is climbed by many as a non-technical beginning to high-altitude mountaineering.  Acclimatisation routes can pass through the scenic Zanskar Mountains, where Tibetan Buddhist culture has long existed.  The summit climb takes trekkers – kitted out with crampons and ice axes – across a glacier to the southeast ridge, where they ascend to the peak.  The mountain panorama on view is simply phenomenal.

Looking for trekking peaks challenges? Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run trekking peaks packages. They offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

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Your Guide to Skiing and Snowboarding in Les Menuires

February 14, 2011 By Honeymoon Destinations Specialist Leave a Comment
Les Menuires

Les Menuires - Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Skiing Les Menuires is a fun and exciting experience for skiers of all ability levels. Whether you are coming with friends, travelling as a family or looking for a romantic skiing destination, the range of runs and the additional activities and facilities that are offered guarantee a wholly satisfying winter break.

At Les Menuires ski resort, you have more than 600km of skiable area, right on your doorstep, in what makes up the world’s largest ski area. Skiing Les Menuires provides visitors with an exciting winter playground of pistes, moguls and off-piste areas to explore for skiers of all ability levels. The resort forms part of the Three Valleys, which also includes the ski resorts of Val Thorens, Meribel and Courchevel.

Skiing the Piste at Les Menuires

There is so much to discover while strapped in your skis in this beautiful region that during your stay you may not even ski the same run twice! The resort has created a range of Dream Circuits for skiing in Les Menuires to make your stay at the resort truly satisfying and memorable. The Intensive Circuit is for advanced skiers seeking excitement and includes La Masse, the BK Park, Orelle and the Glacier du Bouchet.
The Discovery Circuit goes off the beaten track and takes in some incredible vistas as well as providing some serious powder in the Meribel and Courchevel forests. The Tribe Circuit is designed for maximum fun for young and old skiing and is ideal for families. This circuit includes San Martin and La Masse. The resort is also a mini wonderland for kids with the Piou Piou club looking after children from just three months.

Snowboarding in Les Menuires

Skiing Les Menuires is not the only mountain top activity on offer at the resort. Snowboarders will be delighted by the snow park facilities available. The snow park has been recently renovated, and now includes world class and award winning installations designed to make the park more accessible for snowboarders of all ages and abilities. The snow park is located in the Becca Zone and is accessed by the Becca Lift. Some of the installations include: a freestyle area with two runs for different levels as well as a bordercross; a blue run that has four different rails – a flat descent, a rainbow, an easy box ascent and a flat easy box; and a red run that has a jump and four different rails – an “S” shaped rail, a flat descending rail, a wave rail and a “C” shaped rail.

Other Activities in Les Menuires

Les Menuires skiing vacations offer many different activities on and off piste. There is snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snow buggies and quads that zoom through the forest. You should not miss the Roc ‘n’ Bob toboggan that speeds around twists and turns for more than four kilometres either. The experience of trail riding through a snow covered forest wonderland cannot be beaten, and dog sledding with huskies will be a memory to treasure forever. The resort is well set up with supermarkets, cinemas, bars, clubs and a range of accommodation options including self catering chalets. With the world’s largest winter playground right on your doorstop, this is one of the best skiing holidays available anywhere in Europe.

Danielle Hodges is Marketing Manager for Ski Amis, a tour operator offering bonded holidays skiing Les Menuires staying in catered or self-catered chalets, as well as other fantastic destinations. For a luxury or good-value skiing holiday in the best les Menuires ski resorts, Ski Amis can help.

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Royal honeymoon on Scilly?

February 1, 2011 By Honeymoon Destinations Specialist Leave a Comment

Two national Sunday newspapers have speculated that the soon-to-be Royal newly-weds William and Kate could be planning to spend their honeymoon on the Isles of Scilly.

Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey on 29 April has been long in coming.

The couple met several years ago at St Andrews University.

Although news of the wedding plans has been revealed, the honeymoon still remains a secret.

The couple have chosen Westminster Abbey rather than St Paul’s Cathedral for their wedding as they deliberately opt for something on a rather smaller and more intimate scale.

However, will they plan a honeymoon in a far flung part of the world, or will the national newspapers be right?

Will the royal couple spend their honeymoon on Scilly?

Continue Reading on BBC

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