Tahiti Weddings

Africa

In West Africa the most notable item of wedding clothing isn’t the women’s custom made wedding dress, but the men’s dashiki: a colourful garment that covers the top half of the body. The dashiki isn’t just wedding wear, but in West Africa it is usual for the groom to wear a white dashiki. In monotheistic religious ceremonies in West Africa, notably Christianity and Islam, white represents purity. In these ceremonies, the bride will usually wear a kaftan or blouse and skirt set that matches the colour of the dashiki

America

The native American alternatives to custom made wedding dresses are more culturally specific and vary between the different groups. Wedding clothing tends to be hand-woven and decorated in ribbon-work and beads.

Europe

In England, custom made wedding dresses are the order of the day for women, while morning suits are the standard formal dress for men – often finished off with a top hat. For Scottish grooms, the kilt has become fashionable in some circles, although there is a move amongst many young couples to avoid the tackiness associated with the ‘national dress’.

The suit for men and dresses, usually white, for women tend to be the preferred wedding clothing for European couples, in line with most of the Western world.

Asia

Asia, with its myriad cultures is a continent with just as many variations on traditional custom made wedding dresses. In Eastern Asia, traditional clothing is the attire of choice for couples getting married. The Japanese kimono is worn by both men and women. The traditional kimonos are made from yards of fabric skilfully folded and tucked to form a voluminous gown.

In China, the cheongsam is favoured for women. It is a figure-hugging dress decorated in intricate patterns. The male version is known as the changshan, a slightly looser garment, but also worn at weddings and other formal occasions.

At many Indian weddings, brides and the other women involved in the ceremony wear brightly coloured saris, decorated with gold accessories and other ornamentation.

Tatiana Porembova is a leading designer of custom made wedding dresses spanning a range of styles and influences. Based in London, she creates custom made wedding dresses to give brides the perfect dress for their perfect day.

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

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.

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives

For this you will get 7 nights at Centara Maldives in a Beach Suite on all inclusive with  return sea plane transfer to the resort (Malé International Airport/Resort/Airport).

Set amongst the perfect islands and blue ocean of South Ari Atoll (Alifu Atoll) in the republic of Maldives, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives delivers a unique premium 4 star resort experience and offers the ultimate in barefoot luxury along with a range of exciting activities that will appeal both to couples and to families.

Featuring 112 suites & villas, the resort offers diving enthusiasts outstanding diving opportunities including an excellent house reef complete with a dedicated sunken ship wreck and is within easy reach of the top dive spots in the Maldives. The resort exclusively offers all guests a premium all-inclusive vacation experience, Fully Inclusive – All Inclusive Benefits, along with a perfect white sand beach and crystal clear water of the Indian Ocean.  All honeymoon guests receive fruit, resort gift and sparkling wine on arrival plus a USD200 gift certificate to spend at Spa Cenvaree.

BASIS: All Inclusive

AVAILABILITY: Till 28th February 2011

TRAVELING PERIOD: Between 01 May 2011 and 31 October 2011

HOW TO BOOK: Visit Centara Maldives

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.

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.

Dar Al Masyaf, Dubai

Enjoy reduced rates at the luxurious 4 star Dar Al Masyaf resort in Dubai for only £939 per person. Arrive at your destination in style with FREE limo transfers and return flight on Emirates included in the price. That’s not all, taste divine Middle Eastern and international cuisines on a FREE half board basis.

Soak up the Middle Eastern atmosphere in one of the most luxurious cities in the world. Enjoy the magnificent bars, shops and restaurants at the resort to make your stay even more amazing. With so much to see and do, you will never be short of something to do.

BASIS: Half Board

AVAILABILITY: Till 15th July 2011

DEPARTURE: Between 1st July 2011 and 15th July 2011

HOW TO BOOK: Visit Dar Al Masyaf, Dubai

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

Centara Villas Samui

This great offer lets you stay 8 days for the price of 4 at the 3 star Centara Villas Samui. This bed and breakfast accommodation deal lets you stay 4 nights FREE for only £849 per person, saving you an amazing £240. This price also includes return flights on EVA Airlines as well as transfers.

The Centara Villa Samui offers you magnificent villas allowing you to enjoy a tranquil and peaceful holiday. Relax in your own pool or spa as you escape life’s daily stresses. This is the perfect location for that ultimate peaceful holiday getaway.

BASIS: Bed & Breakfast

AVAILABILITY: Till 28th February 2011

DEPARTURE: Between 3rd May 2011 and 30th June 2011

HOW TO BOOK: Visit Centara Villas Samui Koh Samui

Deal applies for departures between 3 May ’11 and 30 Jun ’11. Different deals may be available for other departure dates.

Kuredu Island Resort, Maldives

Take advantage of this great value deal to the Maldives for only £1349 per person. Save £120 as you enjoy 7 nights all inclusive at the 3 star Kuredu Island resort. Everything will be taken care for you from start to finish as this fantastic offer includes return flights on Emirates and transfers.

Have the beach right on your doorstep with Kuredu Island resort. The resort is set on 3km of gorgeous white sandy beach, the perfect tropical destination for your next holiday. Enjoy a variety of land and water activities to make your stay enjoyable or simply just relax and work on that gorgeous holiday tan.

BASIS: All Inclusive

AVAILABILITY: Till 28th February 2011

DEPARTURE: Between 27th April 2011 and 12th July 2011

HOW TO BOOK: Visit Kuredu Island Resort Maldives