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| Sundayo Beach, Basilisa, Dinagat Islands |
10 - SUTHERLAND FALLS [Fiordland, New Zealand]
In a country that holds a special place in our hearts, this gorgeous 580m waterfall is easily New Zealand's most spectacular waterfall and makes our list. Given its remote location deep in the wild and beautiful Fiordland National Park (also a World Heritage Area), it's one of many highlights of the Milford Track - said to be one of the finest walks in the world.
9 - DETTIFOSS [Jökulsárgljúfur, Iceland]
It is Europe's most powerfull waterfall sending glacial meltwaters over its 44m precipice unchecked at a flow of around 500 cubic meters per second. It epitomizes the wild and raw Icelandic Nature and is a favorite amongst Icelandic Nature lovers. Its position at the head of the impressive Jökulsárgljúfur (the Icelandic version of the Grand Canyon) surrounded by three other major waterfalls on the same river makes it a no-brainer for this to make our Top 10 Waterfalls List.
8 - GULLFOSS [Haukadalur, Iceland]
One of the more unique waterfalls you'll ever see in the world, this wild and wide waterfall tumbling on the Hvítá River in two tiers at 90 degree angles to each other is one of Iceland's iconic natural attractions. Part of the Golden Circle of Iceland's main attractions in the Southwest, this is a must on anyone's itinerary. In addition to the falls' unique shape, you can see rainbows arcing over the falls when your timing's right and the weather cooperates.
7 - KAIETEUR FALLS [Potaro River, Guyana]
Said to be one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in the world, this rectangular-shaped monster (said to be 741ft tall 370ft wide) sits atop the ancient Guyana Shield amidst some of the most pristine rainforest left on earth! Indeed a visit to this world wonder can yield rare wildlife settings as well as the reassurance that there are still places on the planet where nature is still allowed to thrive. Thus, Julie and I had to make room for this waterfall on our Top 10 List!
6 - YOSEMITE FALLS [California, USA]
Even though this waterfall doesn't flow year round, it does flow for a good part of the year and it's one of the tallest in the world at 2425ft. It's the crown jewel of attractions in the incomparable Yosemite Valley and it's easily seen from a multitude of viewpoints and trails. So given its ease of access, scenery, and sheer size, this waterfall makes our Top 10 Waterfalls List.
5 - ANGEL FALLS (SALTO ÁNGEL) [Canaima, Venezuela]
Plunging uninterrupted for 807m (with total drop of 979m) from a mystical tabletop mountain (tepuy) deep in a Venezuelan equatorial rainforest, it is widely acknowledged as the tallest permanent waterfall in the world. Its existence defies logic as its source is nothing but the soggy cloud forest on the plateau of the tepuy. No doubt about it, there's nothing like this waterfall and the adventure to even get to this so-called Lost World (Mundo Perdido) for a chance to see this world wonder is sure to leave you with a lasting impression.
4 - PLITVICE WATERFALLS [Northern Dalmatia, Croatia]
When it comes to the overall waterfalling experience, it's hard to beat this world famous attraction. While the rest of the waterfalls on our Top 10 List are primarily singular waterfall attractions, this one is really a network of countless waterfalls (some of which are impressive enough to stand out on their own). The waterfalls themselves segregate the many clear and colorful lakes that bring life to this lush and protected ecosystem. Plus, you have boardwalks that take you under, over, and around almost all of the notable waterfalls for some of the most intimate waterfalling experiences to be had. Add it all up, putting these waterfalls on this list was an absolute no-brainer as far as Julie and I were concerned.
3 - NIAGARA FALLS [Ontario, Canada/New York, USA]
Easily the most famous waterfall in North America, this powerful waterfall also ranks as the biggest one by volume with a whopping average of about 750,000 gallons per second (2.8 million Liters per second)! In addition to its raw power, the falls is easily one of the easiest to access and view from all sorts of angles. While its surroundings are a bit less naturesque for many, it clearly makes the upper tier of our list of Top 10 Waterfalls.
2 - VICTORIA FALLS (MOSI-OA-TUNYA) [Livingstone, Zambia/Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe]
Easily deserving of the top spot on this list (though it finished a very close second), it's the largest singular waterfall in the world spanning a width of 1.7km, a height of 108m, and an average flow of 1 million liters per second! It's no wonder this "smoke that thunders" is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Indeed, it's got power, beauty, and it will make you humble and awestruck.
1 - IGUAZU FALLS (IGUASSU FALLS) [Puerto Iguazú, Argentina/Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil]
With its brink spanning a distance of an incredible 2km in its average flow of 1.3 million liters per second, this falls tops our list of favorites. The falls actually consists of some 275 individual waterfalls and cascades. Catwalks make it easy to get closeup and intimate views and the rainforest surroundings make the scenery feel right for a natural attraction such as this. Put it all together and Julie and I believe this falls is heads and shoulders above the rest (except Victoria Falls) that we've seen!
- Reference/Source: World-of-waterfalls.com
10 - The Savoy - London
Standing since 1889, The Savoy is a true London icon. Synonymous with the capitals heritage and style and situated on the banks of the Thames with The London Eye for a view, this place just screams London. It has recently been the recipient of a £100 Million revamp, the hotel seamlessly blends its original decor with the upgrade of fabulous art deco where all 268 of its rooms just state elegance.
9 - The Langdale – Windermere, Cumbria
The Langdale in the ‘Lakes’ is a resort comprising luxury hotel accommodation, self-catering lodges and cottages, all of which are marked at least 4*with almost every review it gets. An absoloutely brilliant venue that has some fabulous spa days available. Set in the heart of Cumbrian woodland with exclusive streams and rivers, this idyllic location also has top notch spa and 2 AA rosette restaurant, you really will NOT want to leave.
8 - St. Brides – Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire
St. Brides Spa and Hotel comes in at number 8 on our least purely because its destination. With its contemporary design and magical views overlooking the harbour with elevated views over the beautiful Carmarthen Bay, this place is a real treasure. Look out for the outdoor hydrotherapy pool on the cliff top.
7 - The Feversham Arms & Verbena Spa hotel – Helmsley, North Yorkshire
Situated on the very edge of North Yorkshire Moors in the picturesque market village of Helmsley, this lovely quaint hotel is perfect base to explore the local towns shops or galleries or even the moors and further along is the coast. You can also make use of their spa that was recently given a 5 bubble award by the good spa guide.
6 - Ragdale Hall – Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
Spa breaks at Ragdale Hall offer the perfect antidote to the stresses of working and family life. One of the finest locations we have on site, it has one a Health Spa of the Year award year by year for the last 10 years. A Luscious place with an excellent range of spa breaks. Definitely worth a go.
5 - Cliveden House – Taplow, Berkshire
Cliveden House is unique in many ways. One of the more regal on our list, it has an absolutely brethtaking spa and is surrounding by 376 acres of wondrous gardens and parkland. Notable guest of the hotel have included the likes of Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin.
4 - Sheraton Grand – Edinburgh
The Sheraton Grand, the only location on the list from Scotland but what it makes up for the lack of numbers make up in quality and then some! It is one of Scotlands most famous spas. Situated just beneath Edinburgh Castle, this 5* star hotel boasts 269 rooms, each more beautifully designed than the last, an a world class spa on the roof.
3 - W London – London
Situated on Leicester Square, this little delight is the envy of all local Hotels. It boasts 192 rooms, 21 suites including 3 spa suites, on site speciality spa and world class restaurant. This place has got everyone talking.
2 - The Club – Jersey
Described as Jersey's most exciting luxury boutique hotel, this stunning hotel partnered with its Michelin star restaurant ‘Bohemia’ and magnificent spa is a real treat. Just a stones throw away from the beautiful Jersey beaches too. Stylish yet comfortable.
1 - The Scarlet – Mawgan Porth, Cornwall
Gazing upon the Atlantic Ocean, is The Scarlet Hotel famed for its beauty and ethic of being an Eco-Hotel . Boasting local produce for its fabulous food, the restaurant is an absolute joy. Having just the 37 rooms here only serves to emphasise that feeling of intimacy, which is a good thing. The spa is also outrageously beautiful with its own signature of interior design and just adds to the feeling that this place is just lovely.
- Reference/Source: ineedpampering.com by Angelika Adviento
About I Need Pampering Established in early 2005, I Need Pampering was created to cater for those that demand the very best in gift experience shopping. All our gift experiences have all been carefully selected from some of the top UK suppliers in the industry, most of them being award winning and innovative, known for their professionalism and expertise. We are continually growing year on year and have thousands of you coming back for more great gifts, so we must be doing something right. Our mission statement is a simple one, to deliver the best customer service to accompany the best packages and products the industry has to offer. We know that if you are impressed with your certificate, first of all you are going to remain a regular customer, and secondly, there is no greater tool than word of mouth advertising. Everything about our website has been carefully researched, thought-out and crafted to the tiniest detail to provide you with a pleasant, easy and exciting shopping experience. Spa days and spa breaks are our speciality with a host of the finest Spa Hotels and resorts in the UK. We also specialise in luxurious boutique hotel breaks and glamorous photoshoot makeovers. We are pleased to say that we are not just bound by the pampering experiences (exquisite as they may be) I Need Pampering has something for everyone. All of us here at I Need Pampering are constantly scouting the country for new and exciting locations for fabulous spa days and hotel breaks for not only you to enjoy but for us too, as we love a bit of pampering as well. Its tiring work providing you guys with the best experiences around. Customer feedback is also paramount to us. Whether you are buying this gift for yourself or a corporate gift you are guaranteed a fabulous time just remember to tell us about your day. Writing a customer review will earn you I Need Pampering reward points in the same that way that you would when making a purchase. I need pampering are now also featured with Ideal World Shopping and Ideal World Vitality channels, so look out for even more great gift experiences on the TV. Luxury online shopping has never been easier!
1 – Royal Villa at Grand Resort Lagonissi
Athens, Greece ($50,000 a night)
The Grand Resort’s Royal Villa gives the world’s most exclusive guests a private version of everything imaginable. The only other people lucky guests have to see while secluded in their heated pool, steam room or private beach is the suite’s dedicated butler, chef and pianist.
2 – Hugh Hefner Sky Villa, Palms Casino Resort
Las Vegas ($40,000 a night)
Hugh Hefner’s Playboy-themed suite at the Palms Casino resort has a $700,000 jacuzzi that cantilevers out above the Las Vegas strip. The 10,000 square-foot, two-story suite comes with around-the-clock butler service and a rotating bed set beneath a mirrored ceiling.
3 – Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Seasons
New York ($34,000 a night)
The Ty Warner Penthouse practically floats in Manhattan. Floor-to-ceiling windows surround all sides of the massive suite, surrounding guests in 360-degree views of the city skyline from atop Manhattan’s tallest hotel. The nine-room suite has walls inlayed with mother of pearl, gold and platinum-woven fabrics, and the room itself includes a private butler, unlimited global calling and TVs programmed to receive every channel in the entire world.
4 – Royal Penthouse Suite, President Wilson Hotel
Geneva, Switzerland ($33,000 a night)
President Woodrow Wilson reportedly suffered from high blood pressure, so it’s safe to assume he would have appreciated a stress-free stay at President Wilson Hotel’s Royal Penthouse Suite. Consuming the entire top floor of the hotel, the four-bedroom suite can hold up to 40 guests in its cocktail lounge and is said to be the best digs for heads of state wanting to make an impression when they’re in town on United Nations business.
5 – Bridge Suite at The Atlantis
Paradise Island, Bahamas ($25,000 a night)
The 10-room Bridge Suite at Bahamian resort The Atlantis fills the entire space linking the hotel complex’s two flagship towers. Forbes reports the suite has hosted guests including Oprah and Michael Jackson.
6 – Ritz-Carlton Suite, The Ritz-Carlton
Moscow, Russia ($18,200)
Floor-to-ceiling windows outline the Ritz-Carlton Suite at the hotel chain’s Moscow location. Imperial furniture fills the 2,500 square-foot suite, which comes with a heated floor, a grand piano and a library. The suite has views of the Kremlin, Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral and visitors get to enjoy five meals a day and their very own KGB-approved autonomous energy supply system and secure telecommunications array.
7 – Royal Suite, Burj Al Arab
Dubai, United Arab Emirates ($18,000 a night)
A two-story suite that centers around an epic staircase, Burj Al Arab’s Royal Suite has Carrara marble floors, mahogany furniture and a master bedroom with a rotating four-post canopy bed. Guests enjoy Hermes bathroom products, Faubourg fragrances, their own private elevator and cinema and for a bit extra– a chauffeur driven Rolls Royce or helicopter.
8 – Royal Armleder Suite, Le Richemond
Geneva, Switzerland ($17,500 a night)
Le Richemond’s Royal Armleder Suite reopened in 2007 after an extensive restoration of the hotel’s seventh floor, which the luxury suite occupies the entirety of. The suite is bedecked in gold, mosaics and parquet floors and has a 300 square-foot terrace with stunning views of Geneva and the nearby Alps.
9 – Royal Suite, Four Seasons George V
Paris, France ($16,000 a night)
The George V in Paris boasts a pair of “sumptuous” Royal Suites that each come with private terraces and rooms filled with antique furniture. Each suite has a marble entrance, a full kitchen, a sauna and a separate bathroom for guests. The expensive 2,600 square-foot suites are split into separate spaces for sleeping and entertaining, both of which also have a private office.
10 – Imperial Suite, Park Hyatt-Vendôme
Paris, France ($15,500 a night)
Situated on the second floor of the Park Hyatt-Vendôme’s Haussmanian building is the hotel’s 750 square-foot Imperial Suite. Thise pricey suite has high ceilings, a dining room, kitchenette and bar. When visitors tire of toiling, they relax with an “In Suite Spa” that comes outfitted with a steam room, Whirlpool and built-in massage table.
- Reference/Source: Nachocelebrity [Tuesday, January 18, 2011]
Big Merino
The Big Merino is a 15 metre tall concrete Merino sheep (a type of sheep that is drought tolerant), located in Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia. Nicknamed "Rambo" by locals, the Big Merino contains a gift shop on the ground floor and a wool display on the second floor. Visitors can climb to the top and look out through the Merino's eyes to view the local area. (At this time, Jan '08, there is a sign claiming that due to insurance reasons the lookout is closed.)
The Big Merino was officially opened on 20 September 1985. In 1992 the Hume Highway bypassed Goulburn, which resulted in a loss of 40 busloads of tourists to the Big Merino complex per day. On 26 May 2007, the Big Merino was moved to a location closer to the Hume Highway to increase visitor numbers and is now located near the freeway interchange at a service station.
Big Pineapple
The Big Pineapple is a tourist attraction and working farm situated at Woombye near Nambour, Queensland. There are rides, tours of pineapple plantations and other agricultural products, shops, restaurants and exhibits for visitors to enjoy.
The Big Pineapple is 16 metres high and was originally opened on the 15th of August 1971. Entry is free. The attraction went on the market in June 2005.
The Big Pineapple features two rides: One on a Nut Mobile, the other on a small train. The rides take visitors around the plantation while the driver broadcasts information about the plants at the plantation, along with a history.
World's Largest Dinosaur
The "World's Largest Dinosaur" is the name of a model Tyrannosaurus rex located in the town of Drumheller in the Canadian province of Alberta. Built of fiberglass and steel, has a height of 25 metres (82 ft) and a length of 46 metres (151 ft), considerably larger than the largest known specimens of the actual dinosaur which reached up to 12.8 m (42 ft) in length, and was up to 4 m (13 ft) tall at the hips.
Drumheller is a town in the Badlands of east-central Alberta, on the Red Deer River, located 135 kilometres (84 mi) northeast of Calgary. Drumheller is home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology. Various smaller dinosaur models are placed throughbout the town.
World's tallest thermometer
The world's tallest thermometer is a landmark located in Baker, California, USA.
It is technically an electric sign, rather than a tall thermometer; however, it exists as a tribute to the record 134 degrees Fahrenheit (57 degrees Celsius) recorded in nearby Death Valley on July 10, 1913.
It stands 134 feet tall and is capable of displaying a maximum temperature of 134, both a reference to the temperature record.
Big Chicken
The Big Chicken is a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in Marietta, Georgia, which features a 56-foot-tall (17 m) steel-sided structure designed in the appearance of a chicken rising up from the top of the building. It is located at the city's biggest intersection of Cobb Parkway (U.S. 41) and Roswell Road (former Georgia 120) and is a well-known landmark in the area. The exact address is 12 Cobb Parkway North, Marietta GA 30062.
World's largest tire
Allen Park is home to the Uniroyal Tire, the world's largest tire. The tire, moved from the 1964 New York World's Fair to Allen Park in 1966, is 80 feet (24 m) tall and weighs 12 tons. The tire is located off Interstate 94. This 12-ton, 80-foot-tall behemoth was built to withstand hurricane-force winds, and served as a ferris wheel (and a huge advertisement for Uniroyal) at the 1964–65 New York World's Fair. Twenty-four gondolas circled the tire where the treads are today, carrying nearly two million people.
In 1998, Uniroyal stabbed the tire with the world's largest nail. The nail was 11 feet long and 250 pounds. This was done to promote their puncture-resistant Tiger Paw Nailgard tire. The big tire withstood the assault and the nail was eventually removed and given to Allen Park, which then put it up for sale on eBay in 2003 to raise money for a local historical society. The city hoped that someone would pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for the nail, the final price paid by local businessman Ralph Roberts was $3,000 (Roberts lends out the nail for local events).
Jolly Green Giant
The Jolly Green Giant is a symbol of the Green Giant food company of the United States, appearing as a smiling green-skinned giant wearing a tunic, wreath and boots made of leaves. In 1973, JGG teamed up with "Little Green Sprout", the diminutive young green giant. Created by Leo Burnett, the Giant first appeared in advertisements in 1928; the name originally came from a variety of unusually large pea called the "Green Giant" that the company canned and sold.
Salem Sue
Salem Sue (or The World's Largest Holstein Cow) is a large fiberglass holstein cow sculpture located in New Salem, North Dakota. Salem Sue was built in 1974 for $40,000. The project was sponsored by the New Salem Lions Club in honor of the local dairy farming industry. The statue stands 38 feet high and is 50 feet long. It sits on School Hill near Interstate 94 off exit 27 S and can be viewed for several miles.
Free Stamp
Free Stamp is an outdoor sculpture located in Cleveland, Ohio's Willard Park. Created by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, it has been called the "world's largest rubber stamp". The dimensions of the sculpture are 28 ft 10 in (8.79 m) by 26 ft (7.9 m) by 49 ft (15 m). The sculpture depicts a rubber stamp with the word "FREE" in its stamping area.
World's Largest Buffalo
The "World's Largest Buffalo" is a sculpture of an American Bison located in Jamestown, North Dakota at the Frontier Village. It was built in 1959 by local businessman Harold Newman. It can be seen from Interstate 94, overlooking the city from above the James River valley.
The statue is a significant tourist draw for Jamestown and the source of its nickname, The Buffalo City. It is 26 feet (7.9 m) tall, 46 feet (14 m) long and weighs 60 tons. It was constructed with stucco and cement around a steel beam frame shaped with wire mesh. The final cost of construction was approximately $8500 in 1969; a significant overrun from initial estimates closer to $4600. The concrete slab that lies under the sculpture was added later and was not included in the initial cost.
- Reference/Source: nachocelebrity.blogspot.com [Tuesday, January 18, 2011]
Kubli Springs @ Kinabuhayan Café, Dolores, Quezon
The road to Kubli Springs is literally the road less traveled, and when you do get on it, you’ll be glad you decided against taking your sedan car. Flashlights, candles, mobile phones, and the moon are the only sources of light. Occasionally, they may put up Christmas lights connected to a portable battery source to make the place special. You’ll find yourself in the middle of a forest, surrounded by boulders, a spring at your feet and a clear starlit sky overhead. You sit on rocks and makeshift benches, savoring the aroma of steak being grilled on the spot. Ah, this is the perfect time to play the acoustic guitar for a sing-along with the barkada (gang) without fear of disturbing anyone.
For P500 per person, you get fresh salad with flowers, grilled steak, Jay’s special rice, and a fruit platter. The meal ends with lambanog and a special roast of barako coffee. For drinking, there’s fresh mineral water from the mountains. You’d wish the night would never end.
Antonio’s in Tagaytay
Dining at Antonio’s is like entering a magical portal to a world where any food you choose is worth a rave. The service is that of a six-star hotel where you need not worry about a thing. Even going to the restroom is a chance to appreciate nature and its beauty. The positive energy in the place encourages conversation and bears witness to thousands of memorable life stories.
You won’t mind waiting for your food because you know it’s being prepared to perfection. The real flavor of the meat and other ingredients stands out without the sauce overpowering the taste. Any wine selection seems to match the food you order. My favorite in Antonio’s includes the Salad with Foie Gras, the steaks, sea bass and the soufflé dessert. I envision our silver wedding anniversary at this place because of the food, service and its enchanting garden.
Ugu’s Pottery Garden Restaurant, Tiaong, Quezon
It remains a secret place in Tiaong because Ugu never advertises and there are no road signs. Even the neighbors don’t realize that such a place exists. The whole of Ugu’s Pottery Garden Restaurant is a labor of love, with the entire family designing everything from the huts, the garden layout, the pottery and the food concept.
Ugu is known for such dishes as Kulawo and Lato. Kulawo is charcoal-grilled banana heart with a smoky flavor that tastes like tuna, while lato is seaweed in vinegar. Both are traditional Filipino dishes you seldom find in Metro Manila. It’s home-cooked Filipino food served on Ugu’s signature pottery. I do hope it remains a secret.
Isla Naburot, Guimaras
Isla Naburot resort is like wine—the older it gets, the more exotic it becomes. Electricity is supplied by solar panels that can only support the incandescent bulbs in the room. Even mobile phones seem superfluous as there are no charging stations nearby. Your itinerary revolves around swimming in the clear beach, playing sungka and spending quality time with the family.
The main attraction is doing nothing and eating gourmet Filipino dishes prepared the traditional way. Fresh seafood is patiently grilled to lock in their natural juices. Meals are served with home made sinamak vinegar. Fruits are abundant, especially the famous Guimaras mangoes. The taste of the food is enhanced by the open air environment. It’s a foodie heaven I can’t wait to go back next summer.
La Cocina de Tita Moning, Manila
As you enter the gates of this old mansion, you can’t help but feel transported to a different era inhabited by the Old Rich. You are welcomed with drinks and pica-pica in the patio, before being given a mini-tour of the place, where antiques and turn-of-the-century design is evident in the living room, bedroom and especially the bathroom.
It’s a treat to enjoy Spanish food cooked from recipes handed down from generations. You leave La Cocina raving about its paella and its bread pudding. The former could rival the paellas in Manila’s Spanish restaurants. The latter tastes like bread leche flan that melts in your mouth. The service is slow but sure. What’s important is that they serve you with a smile and exert every effort to make the experience memorable. Our La Cocina experience was way back January 2005, but I’ve never forgotten it since.
Kusina Salud, San Pablo, Laguna
We need to give credit to Kusina Salud for making the Viaje del Sol travel route popular. It’s the “Sonya’s Garden” of San Pablo, Laguna but even better because of its wide selection of gourmet dishes. Occasionally, you can chat with Nina and Chef Paul Poblador about the story of Kusina Salud. The place seems to smile back at the camera, with its odd pieces of furniture and accessories fitting harmoniously with styles from other eras.
The best time is breakfast; go at 9 a.m. and use the place as your jump-off point to explore Laguna and Quezon. I long for the hamonado- style longganisa, fried adobo flakes and bangus (milkfish) belly for breakfast. Buffets are served on special occasions but I still prefer to order from the ala carte menu. Massage service is available and would be perfect if you make this your last stop before heading back to Manila.
Vieux Chalet, Antipolo
Operating for more than 20 years now, Vieux Chalet remains a mysterious place. The house cum restaurant on top of a hill in Antipolo rewards diners with an awesome view of Manila, especially at night.
What keeps me going back to this place is the passion with which Susan Hassig prepares the food. You’ll never forget the taste of the homemade pasta, the freshly baked bread and the varieties of homegrown cheese. Some people go to Vieux Chalet to taste its refreshing lemon-grass drink or to indulge in its version of the Osso Bucco. This is our favorite hangout if we want to escape and eat good gourmet food.
Claude Tayag’s Bale Dutung, Pampanga
You’ve never really tasted Pampanga cuisine until you’ve dined in Claude Tayag’s Bale Dutung house. This is perfect for those long lunches with friends when you don’t even notice the hours passing by. Diners are greeted with frozen baby cologne-scented towels and steamed peanuts that bring back memories of childhood. The entire house is a showroom for Claude Tayag’s creative and artistic brilliance.
Mr. and Mrs. Claude Tayag will serve you personally with simple Kapampangan dishes artistically presented. They will also entertain you with the history of Bale Dutung. My favorite dishes here include the catfish with buro (fermented fish) and green mustasa (mustard leaves), and Pampanga’s version of the paella. The meal ends with a simple Paradiso dessert made of smoked ube, camote and macapuno on sweet carabao milk pastillas. After the meal it’s so nice to just laze around the house and chat up Claude Tayag before saying goodbye.
Charley’s in Lipa, Batangas
I fell in love with the place after seeing the beautiful horses at Leviste’s Equestrian Farm in Lipa. Till then, I’d seen only the tired horses in Baguio and Tagaytay and never imagined seeing such thoroughbreds on Philippine soil. Lunch or dinner is courtesy of Les Roche-trained chef Popit de Leon who’s passionate about cooking his foodie creations either in his Makati condo or in Charley’s on weekends. Popit uses fresh herbs from Charley’s garden in all food served at the farm. Diners might even get a personal tour of the farm with Charley herself after the meal.
Unfortunately, the place recently closed its doors to out-of-town diners. Popit now cooks exclusively in his Makati condo. This is a simple tribute and thank you for becoming part of our foodie memories, accompanied by a wish that the place opens its doors again.
Entalula Island, El Nido, Palawan
Imagine having an exclusive picnic with gourmet food on a white-sand island far better than Boracay. Entalula Island in El Nido is definitely a bit of paradise that you can enjoy privately for lunch or dinner. Everything is set up for you, and you can request exactly the food you like. Your imagination sets the limit on how creative you want the experience to be.
It is definitely worth saving up for and reason enough to go back to El Nido resorts. When you book an El Nido vacation, make sure to reserve the island for your lunch or dinner date. Next time, I’ll have dinner here with just my wife and lay down after in the pristine sands with limestone cliffs as backdrop.
- Reference/Source: inquirer.net By Anton Diaz
No.10 St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London, London, UK
The golden era of glamorous rail travel is long gone (at least for those who can't quite afford the Orient Express), which is why London will welcome the return of Britain's showiest railway hotel with open arms when it reopens in March. Formerly called the Midland Grand Hotel, no less than £150 million has been invested to return the original Victorian-Gothic structure to its former glory. A 10-year renovation has ensured that all the best bits have been kept and painstakingly retouched (such as Sir George Gilbert Scott’s cantilevered staircase), while shiny new additions, such as the 189 bedrooms in the extension at the back, are in keeping with the building's original style. A 120-seat fine-dining restaurant will wrap things up nicely, no doubt flanked by the capital's most chic commuters.
No.9 W London, London, UK
As the most anticipated hotel opening in the UK this year, W London certainly has a lot to live up to -- and if early media whisperings are to be believed, it will. Scheduled to open on February 14th in an attempt to capitalize on an already bled-dry holiday, this hotel is the W brand’s first opening in the UK and is well located on London's tourist-filled Leicester Square where the Swiss Centre once stood. No less than £300 million has been pumped into the project by parent company Starwood, which has seemingly forgotten about the recession, allowing for 194 blingtastic rooms, a destination restaurant, a bar-club combo, a fully equipped spa, and an on-site store selling party frocks and whatnot. There's even a 48-seat cinema should leaving the premises prove a little too strenuous for would-be guests. Expect the launch party to raise the roof (and more than a few eyebrows, with celebs getting up to no good inside).
No.8 Waldorf Astoria Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Bringing a big slab of New York-style hospitality to Germany this year is Waldorf Astoria Berlin, housed inside a 31-floor glass-fronted tower in the business district of Kurfürstendamm. Catering predominantly to the corporate crowd, Waldorf Astoria Berlin will boast 242 extremely well-appointed rooms as well as an on-site restaurant, bar and spa. The crowning glory of this new build, however, will be 1,000-square-meters of conference and meeting facilities, sure to lure hundreds of white-collar office workers through its doors once the ribbon has been cut on opening day. Waldorf Astoria's signature no-nonsense approach to service will also ensure that the city's notoriously discerning (read: picky) residents will be kept in the manner to which they've undoubtedly become accustomed.
No.7 The Queen Victoria, Cape Town, South Africa
Having enjoyed good press and endured bad press last year, it's good to see that Cape Town's public perception is once again tipping to the more positive side of things with the opening of a new boutique hotel in March. Called the Queen Victoria, this sumptuous new stay (housed in an existing building in the Victoria and Albert Waterfront) is small but perfectly formed, with just 35 rooms for weary guests to hunker down in. Murals of Queen Vic (who else?) abound inside, while plush furnishings, rich fabrics and a muted color palette of oyster, taupe, gray, silver, and burgundy link public spaces. The hotel's most impressive feature, however, will be its grand entrance, characterized by a spectacular triple-volume atrium with a spiral staircase and glass elevator. Indeed, if this doesn’t get five stars, we don’t know what will.
No.6 W Paris-Opéra, Paris, France
While W Paris-Opéra isn't due to open until the end of 2011, the buildup begins now. Found in the trendy Parisian district of Opéra, just minutes from the Garnier Opera House, the plush property will add 90 sumptuous rooms and suites to the capital's already chic hotel scene. Housed inside an elegant 1870s Haussmann-era building, the hotel (the brand’s eighth in Europe) will be an all-encompassing destination station, with a restaurant, bar, fitness facility, spa, and lounge. As with all W properties, the W Paris Opéra will boast the brand's signature Whatever/Whenever concierge service, providing guests with anything from a gourmet picnic in Jardin du Luxembourg to shopping excursions in the emporiums of Faubourg Saint-Honoré.
No.5 Ritz-Carlton Montreal, Montreal, Canada
In renovation since 2008, the Ritz-Carlton Montreal will finally reopen this autumn after a $150-million face-lift. The iconic stay, located at 1228 Sherbrooke Street West, will celebrate with a paparazzi-worthy opening to show off its revived facade, lobby, Palm Court, Grand Ballroom, and Ritz Garden -- all of which have been restored to their former dazzling glory. The best bit, however, will be the 46 private residences that have been added to the property, all furnished to shades-on superstar standards. Having this as your home address would certainly be a talking point with the ladies.
No.4 Palazzo Versace Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Versace isn't known for its understated aesthetic, but when the Italian brand comes into contact with Dubai -- land of flash and trash -- you can only imagine what would happen. In fact, you don’t need to imagine, as the Palazzo Versace showcases what would become of such a meeting. Following in the flamboyant footsteps of Versace's sister outpost on Australia's glossy Gold Coast, this £400-million wonder will be one of the United Arab Emirates' most ridiculously over-the-top stays when it opens mid-2011. Inside will be 213 suites and 169 private residences, as well as a host of slick restaurants and bars, an on-site superspa, a ballroom, and a boutique for the not-so-subtle flogging of Versace wares. But the hotel will also feature its own “refrigerated” beach, plugged into a system of heat-absorbing pipes and wind blowers to keep beachgoers in barely there swimwear calm, cool and collected. The green scene clearly hasn’t caught on here.
No.3 The Breakwater, Miami, USA
Although it rang in the New Year by opening on January 1st, the Breakwater's launch will be remembered long after the streamers have been swept away and the champagne has been mopped up. Fulfilling its promise of “chic and sexy and unfiltered individuality,” the hotel boasts supersleek interiors by renowned designer Stephen B Jacobs, with decor that sets a more serene scene than the rock ‘n’ roll-inspired Clevelander next door (where TVs are chained to walls to avoid them being thrown out of windows). Think minimal furnishings and muted tones across 100 spacious rooms, with bright pops of color adding extra pizzazz. The rooftop lounge, obligatory at any Miami hotel worthy of its Art Deco facade, is the perfect place to kick back, with the deck flanked by daybeds during the afternoon and lit with candles by night. Date night, anyone?
No.2 Mondrian New York, New York, USA
Thank God there's something else to focus on in February other than Valentine’s Day; opening in the most depressing month of the year is the Mondrian New York, the brand’s downtown debut. While details are being kept hush-hush, pics forwarded to us by in-the-know PRs (now unemployed, we imagine) reveal wonderfully trippy Alice in Wonderland-style interiors (courtesy of superstar designer Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz), particularly throughout the enchanted manicured gardens drenched with moody-blue lighting. Indeed, if you haven’t smoked anything suspicious prior to entering, you may want to in order to appreciate the head-spinning aesthetics. The theme carries through to 270 jaw-droppingly beautiful rooms as well as the destination restaurant to be headed up by none other than culinary genius Sam Talbot.
No.1 Shangri-La Paris, Paris, France
While current Paris gossip is largely centered on French Vogue’s new editor, we’re more concerned with the much-anticipated Mandarin Oriental Paris opening on Rue Saint-Honoré. When is another story, with the launch date having been pushed back countless times, but we do know that it will throw open its doors toward the latter part of 2011. With 138 rooms, a slew of restaurants, a spa, and an inner courtyard in which to smooch with your loved one, this hotel will have the city's other hotels shaking in their designer-heeled boots -- particularly Shangri-La Paris, which opened in December and has every intention of holding on to its press attention.
- Reference/Source: askmen.com by Nick Clarke
1. New York
Since 9/11, the site of the World Trade Center’s twin towers has stood out as a closed-off, out-of-view, painful gaping void. This year that changes, as the former WTC site finally reopens to the public with the National September 11 Memorial, a 6-acre, tree-filled plaza with 30ft-deep waterfalls at the footprint of the former towers, rimmed by the name of each victim and illuminated at night (its museum will follow in 2012). For the city, this will be more momentous than if the Yankees, Knicks, Rangers and Giants won simultaneous championships while the ball dropped in Times Square on New Year’s Eve. For all of New York, 11 September 2011 will be a defining moment.
2. Tangier
From its extraordinary position perched on the northwestern-most tip of Africa, Tangier looks in two directions: one face towards Spain and Europe, and the other into Africa. The ‘white city’ announces a culture excitingly different from that of its close cousins across the water. With the recent arrival of a new city governor, the town beach now sparkles, the hustlers are off the streets and even the taxi drivers are polite. A stylish new Tangier is being created with a dynamic arts community, renovated buildings, great shopping and chic new restaurants.
3. Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is the total flipside of Jerusalem, a modern Sin City on the sea rather than an ancient Holy City on a hill. Hedonism is the one religion that unites its inhabitants. There are more bars than synagogues, God is a DJ and everyone’s body is a temple. Yet, scratch underneath the surface and Tel Aviv, or TLV, reveals itself as a truly diverse 21st-century Mediterranean hub. By far the most international city in Israel, Tel Aviv is also home to a large gay community, a kind of San Francisco in the Middle East. Thanks to its university and museums, it is also the greenhouse for Israel’s growing art, film and music scenes.
4. Wellington
Wellington is Cool-with-a-capital-C, crammed with more bars, cafes and restaurants per capita than New York, and a slew of gourmet producers including some 10 independent coffee roasteries. Year-round you’ll find arts and cultural events in abundance. Likewise, its film industry, ‘Wellywood’, centred on the Miramar Peninsula, is booming thanks in large part to the success of Wellingtonian Sir Peter Jackson (executive producer of the 2011 and 2012 Hobbit movies currently being made here). This little capital will be front-and-centre on the world stage in 2011 when New Zealand hosts the Rugby World Cup.
5. Valencia
Valencia sits coquettishly and again confidently along Spain’s Mediterranean coast. For centuries, it was overshadowed by larger Spanish cities – hard-nosed, commercially-minded Barcelona and Madrid, the nation’s capital. Not any more. While retaining its provincial charm, Spain’s third city now mixes with the international crowd. Host of a couple of America’s Cup yachting jamborees and an annual street circuit Formula 1 motor race, it’s also European Capital of Sport for 2011 and a favourite destination for conferences and congresses. Valencia enjoyed its golden age two full centuries before the rest of Spain.
6. Iquitos
After days forging by boat along rainforest-fringed rivers, Iquitos, mighty megalopolis of the Peruvian Amazon, comes as a shock to the system. Pulsating with life, the city’s latest boom is tourism: visitors may flock to reconnoitre the rainforest but taking time to imbibe Iquitos itself is imperative too. This is a sultry slice of Amazon life: Brazilian, Colombian, indigenous and expat. Clubs bounce to salsa and rock until the early hours with the vigour you’d expect of Peru’s jungle capital, but Iquitos is also a cultural hub: expect works by Peru’s top artists, opulent rubber-boom mansions and a museum on Amazon ethnography for starters. As a trading post for rainforest tribes, market mayhem and riverboat bustle are part of the package, all conspiring to fill the city with an addictive, round-the-clock energy.
7. Ghent
Here’s a secret within a secret: Ghent might just be the best European city you’ve never thought of visiting, in a country that continues to be criminally overlooked. Ghent hides away in the middle of Belgium’s big three – Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp. Most Belgium-bound visitors rushing between these see nothing more than the stately fortifications of Ghent’s St Pieter’s Station. Those who do hop off the train and stroll along the Leie River to the historic centre will have their eyes out on stalks. Here hides one of Europe’s finest panoramas of water, spires and centuries-old grand houses. But this is no place to simply kick back: Ghent has one of Europe’s most dynamic festival scenes, which vies for visitors’ attention. This year the entire centre will emerge from a major program of rebuilding designed to show off the huge pedestrianised squares.
8. Delhi
The great metropolis of Delhi, encompassing Old and New Delhi and sprawling out for miles, has not looked this smart and sparkling in centuries. Huge preparations for the Commonwealth Games, which took place in October 2010, improved the city’s infrastructure, cleaned up its streets and added to its accommodation options. Aside from, of course, a bounty of new or improved sporting facilities, there’s the marvellous artery of the Metro – an underground transport system that’s a futuristic, egalitarian world away from the sometimes chaotic, class-ridden situation above ground. This year marks 100 years since New Delhi was founded in 1911. At least eight cities are known to have been founded on this spot. The commemoration of this anniversary is sure to be a colourful and lively affair.
9. Newcastle
Is it Australia’s most underrated city? Anyone surprised to see Newcastle on the list of 2011′s hottest cities (and there’s a few of you, right?) probably hasn’t pulled in off the Pacific Highway, or at least not for a while. Newcastle flies under the radar of Aussies and international travellers in part because it’s overshadowed by its bigger, bolder and better-known sibling, Sydney, 150km south. But, at around one-tenth the size, Australia’s second-oldest city has Sydney-like assets: surf beaches, a sun-drenched subtropical climate, and diverse dining, nightlife and arts. Not only is Newcastle ideally located just two hours by road or rail or 30 minutes by plane or seaplane from Sydney, it’s less than an hour’s drive west to the Hunter Valley wineries, south to sailboat-filled Lake Macquarie, north to whale-watching and sharkfeeding at Port Stephens and to sandboarding at Stockton Beach (the southern end of the 32km-long beach is a five-minute ferry ride across Newcastle’s harbour).
10. Chiang Mai
If Chiang Mai were a person, it would be Bob Dylan. With a history dating back further than anyone can remember, its influence remains enormous. And despite its great age, there’s still a bohemian chic that makes it as relevant and hip as ever. Culture capital of Thailand, Chiang Mai was once the heart of the Lanna kingdom. Today those wanting to flee the bustle of Bangkok visit to lounge in coffee shops and drink in the city’s artisanal atmosphere. With a friendly, cosmopolitan feel, this is one easy, safe and pleasant place to explore. There are dozens of well-preserved temples here, too. Many new ecotours and adventure trips are appearing, and with a choice of river rafting, elephant rides, trekking and off-road cycling, even the biggest adrenaline junkie will be sated.
- Reference/Source: lonelyplanet.com
1. More than 40 percent of the world’s population do not have access to basic sanitation.
2. In Japan, it’s considered unethical to let other people hear you peeing. So public toilets are installed with music to cover it up. Others use a device called Otohime or Sound Princess to mimic the sound of flushing that some women prefer to music.
3. In Singapore, you could be fined up to $150 for not flushing.
4. In Switzerland, its against the law to flush a toilet after 10 p.m. if you live in an apartment.
5. In Korea, a closed cubicle door in the ladies room means the stall is vacant. Hmmm, you wonder how people know its occupied.
6. The stall nearest the door tends to be the cleanest. People prefer to use the stall at the end of the room.
7. Guys would rather wait than use the vacant stall in the middle; women spend more time in the shower.
8. It has been recommended by dentists that a toothbrush be kept at least 6 feet away from the toilet to avoid airborne particles resulting from the flush.
9. Filipinos are saving the forest by using tabo (Dipper). The world consumption of toilet paper accounts for 72,000 acres of woodland per day.
10. Talk about style! The French prefer scented and colored toilet paper, the standard being pink.
- Reference/Source: sundayINQUIRERmagazine, Philippines
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Nearly half of Mongolia’s three million residents are nomads, and most of the rest live in Ulaanbaatar—the country's capital and largest city. The cultural, economic, and transportation hub on the Tuul River is the starting point for two-humped Bactrian camel treks and other exotic Gobi desert expeditions, but its ten museums, close proximity to national parks, and collection of imperial palaces and Buddhist monasteries qualify Ulaanbaatar as a destination rather than way station.
Wander through the Narantuul, a 2,500-vendor, open-air market; visit Gandan Monastery—Mongolia’s largest functioning Buddhist monastery—and the adjoining Megjid Janraisig and Kalachakra Temples; and view Stone and Bronze Age artifacts, sacred relics, and fossilized dinosaur bones and eggs found in the Gobi at the National and Natural History Museums. During the July 11-13 National Holiday, Ulaanbaatar hosts the nation’s largest Naadam Festival, a legendary cultural celebration featuring wrestling, archery and cross-country horse racing competitions, plus traditional costumes and dance.
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Croatia's 1,104-mile (1,776-kilometer) island-speckled Adriatic coast is a popular playground for sea kayakers, sailors, kite surfers, and divers. Additional water wonders await those willing to travel inland (a four-hour bus ride from the coast) to the mountainous, eastern Plitvice Lakes region, site of Croatia’s first and largest national park.
Nature's color wheel is in constant motion at 114-square-mile (296-square-kilometer) Plitvice Lakes National Park (above) where 16 terraced lakes, formed by natural travertine dams, change hues throughout the day from bright turquoise to gray depending on the angle of the sun's rays and mineral makeup of the water. Well-maintained wooden boardwalks and trails link the lakes to the park’s centerpiece cascades, the largest of which—Big Waterfall—plummets 256 feet (78 meters) into the valley below. Home to abundant wildlife, including 261 species of birds, the walker-friendly park is divided into Upper and Lower Lakes sections bridged by the Lake Kozjak ferry.
Sardinia, Italy
Glitterati flock by the yachtful to Sardinia’s serpentine northern Gallura coast, where exclusive Porto Cervo and Costa Smeralda are two favorite summer playgrounds. While a winding coastal drive—perfect for a red Ferrari roadster—offers dramatic Mediterranean views and a powerful adrenaline rush, the real rock stars of Italy’s second-largest island are the actual rocks, or more precisely, the prehistoric stone dwellings found in the mountainous interior.
Sardinia is home to more than 7,000 stone nuraghi towers, Bronze Age castles built between 1600 and 1100 B.C. Best known is Nuraghe Santu Antine near Torralba, a well-preserved nuraghic royal palace surrounded by the eerie remnants of a once thriving nuraghic village. To experience modern village life on an island where sheep outnumber humans by nearly three to one, check into Hotel Su Gologone in Oliena, where hearty guests can sign up to shadow a local shepherd for the day.
Tasmania
In Australia’s smallest state, remote rain forests, secluded beaches, and more than 200 vineyards are accessible by foot. Tasmania’s mild, maritime climate and compact size (comparable to West Virginia) make this heart-shaped island 150 miles (240 kilometers) off the Australian mainland a year-round destination for walkers and hikers of all ages, interests, and fitness levels.
Great Walks Tasmania features seven distinct, guided walking tours ranging from the moderate 14- to 18-mile (23- to 30-kilometer) Bay of Fires wilderness trek along the coastal rim of Mount William National Park to the gentler 12- to 28-mile (20- to 45-kilometer) gourmand’s ramble through Maria Island’s eucalyptus forest and pristine beaches. In 2011, Tasmania hosts the biennial Ten Days on the Island international arts celebration from March 25 to April 3, an event that features nearly 500 artists in 111 venues.
Fjord Norway
Western Norway, known as Fjord Norway, is home to the world’s largest concentration of the saltwater-filled, glaciated valleys. The iconic destination encompasses 1,646 miles (2,650 kilometers) of pristine coastline, glaciers, mountains, and cascading waterfalls, including the 2,148-foot (655-meter) Mardalsfossen, the world’s fourth highest. The region’s six National Tourist Routes offer easy driving access to bouldering, ice climbing, glacier walking, base jumping, caving, and year-round skiing.
Four UNESCO World Heritage sites are located here, including the deep-blue Geirangerfjord (above), considered one of the world’s most unspoiled fjords. Fjords are best experienced from water level, so hop a ferry, book a cruise, or rent a kayak for unobstructed views of the surrounding snow-covered peaks, steep mountainsides, and abundant wildlife. The midnight sun in June and July brings near round-the-clock daylight and the most visitors. Days are shorter in May and September, but the lighter tourist traffic makes for easy meandering from Kristiansand to Trondheim along the Fjord Coast Route.
Uruguay
A laid-back vibe, day trip-friendly dimensions (only 68,036 square miles/176,215 square kilometers), and lively beach scene make Uruguay a favorite getaway for the South American jet set.
The capital city, Montevideo, pulses to the rhythm of candombe, the thunderous Afro-Uruguayan, three-drum sound fueling spontaneous street parades, as well as the all-night Desfile de las Llamadas, the featured event of Montevideo Carnaval. In southwestern Uruguay, stroll the winding, cobblestone streets of Colonia del Sacramento’s 17th-century historic district—a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s only a 50-minute high-speed ferry ride from Buenos Aires—to explore the country’s Portuguese roots. Go west to the hilly interior to play gaucho at a luxury dude ranch or a more traditional working estancia, where tourists can trade labor for trail time. For sun and surf, hit the beaches of Punta del Este, the narrow peninsula dividing the waters of the Rio de la Plata and the Atlantic Ocean.
Shimla, India
Visiting Shimla is equal parts journey and destination. For optimal snow-clad Himalayan views, chug back in time on the narrow-gauge Kalka Shimla Railway (above), one of three Indian lines on the World Heritage List. It passes through 102 tunnels, across 864 bridges, and up 4,659 feet (1,420 meters) to the Shimla Hill station in northern Himachal Pradesh. Colonialists built the engineering marvel in the late 19th century to service the Shimla Highlands, an escape for the British from the summer heat.
The colonial influence endures in Shimla’s architecture and ambience, particularly along the Mall, a bustling pedestrian marketplace and cultural hub featuring shops, restaurants, and the 123-year-old, neo-Gothic Gaiety Theatre renovated in 2009. Guided walking tours around Shimla and the surrounding seven hills include stops at historic temples, churches, palaces, and mansions, including the Viceregal Lodge, a baronial-style estate built high on Observatory Hill as a tribute to the empire.
Messinia Region, Greece
Widely known for its Kalamata olives—Messinia produces about 55,000 tons of mainly cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil annually—this road-less-trampled region on the southwest Peloponnesian coast features numerous World Heritage List archaeological sites, including Olympia, Mystras, and the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae.
Sun-drenched hills and valleys are dotted with stone houses, vaulted tombs from the Mycenaean era, Byzantine churches, and medieval castles (such as the castle of Methoni, above). Retreat to secluded bays, remote beaches, and protected lagoons, including Gialova, Greece’s southernmost major wetland and home to more than 270 bird species.
The latest chapter in Messinia’s 4,500-year history is being crafted by international shipping magnate Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos, the visionary behind Costa Navarino, an energy-conscious resort that aims to be powered entirely by renewable resources. The luxury destination’s Navarino Dunes on the Ionian Sea opened in 2010. Initial sustainable elements include “living roofs” planted with native fauna and the world’s first large-scale geothermal heating and cooling installed beneath a golf course.
Dominica
A lack of white sandy beaches and an overabundance of rainfall keep this mountainous island of tropical rain forests off typical Caribbean vacation itineraries—a plus for adventure seekers.
Perpetual geothermal and volcanic activity—there are seven active volcanoes—make 285-square-mile (739-square-kilometer) Dominica, located between Guadeloupe and Martinique, a paradise in progress. Venture into the rugged landscape Spiderman-style on an Extreme Dominica canyoneering tour, which takes visitors rappelling down pristine waterfalls, deep gorges, and volcanic bedrock canyons. The seven-mile round-trip hike from Titou Gorge to Boiling Lake, a vapor-covered cauldron that reaches 198º Fahrenheit (92º Celsius), is strenuous but worth the panoramic Caribbean views from atop 3,000-foot (914-meter) Morne Nicholls, as well as the chance to explore the Valley of Desolation’s brightly colored sulfur springs, mini-geysers, and bubbling mud pools. Recharge at the locally built and staffed Jungle Bay Resort & Spa. The 55-acre (22-hectare) tropical retreat features 35 secluded, hardwood cottages perched high atop posts beneath the jungle canopy.
NamibiaThe 11-20 are:
Southern Africa’s youngest nation is well known for its vast windswept deserts—the inland Kalahari and the coastal Namib—so it’s no wonder that the country’s first conservation area (established in 1907) is named for the “place of dry water.”
Etosha National Park is a wildlife sanctuary in far northern Namibia centered on Etosha Pan, a 75-mile-long (120-kilometer-long) mineral lakebed. During the June to November dry season, large numbers of elephants, giraffes, black rhinos, lions, and other game are drawn to the park’s natural and manmade watering holes. During the rains, huge numbers of flamingos arrive to feed and breed. In addition to unsurpassed big game viewing, the nearly 8,494-square-mile (22,000-square-kilometer) preserve includes numerous lodging options ranging from rustic guest farms to luxury retreats. For more intimate game viewing, head about two hours south to Mundulea Nature Reserve. Guests at the privately owned nature reserve in the Otavi Mountains encounter antelopes, leopards, hyenas, and other resident game on daylong, guided bush treks.
Laos | Kodiak Island, Alaska | Scottish Highlands | Tunisia | Palawan, Philippines | Black Sea Coast, Crimea | Gaspé Peninsula, Quebec | Shikoku, Japan | Papua New Guinea | Kurdistan, Iraq
- Reference/Source: nationalgeographic.com
1.Bangladesh
This subcontinental treat might just be the cheapest place on earth to travel. Bangladesh offers marvellous meals for under US$1, a mid-range hotel room for less than 10 times that. This means that anyone who isn’t a masochist goes up a price bracket or two. You’ll pay a little more to get around the Sunderbans National Park on a tiger-spotting tour – US$150 or thereabouts – but it’s still peanuts, even compared to what you pay next door in India.
Bangladesh is almost disgracefully under-visited. Here, paddleboat is one of the main forms of transport and you can trek, canoe and even surf to your heart’s content with some of the world’s friendliest people for company. The Rocket is Bangladesh’s most famous ferry, running daily between the capital Dhaka and Khulna. First-class river cruising for 27 hours will cost US$15.
2. Nicaragua
As other Central American destinations inflate prices with an influx of travellers, there are still a few good value delights to be found in the region. Nicaragua is somewhere where the careful traveller can get by spending US$15 a day, and midrange comforts can be had for less than double that amount. What you get for your money is nothing short of spectacular: hammock-hanging opportunities on the mythically unspoilt Corn Islands, bar-hopping and live music in colonial León and Granada, and volcano trekking on the Isla de Ometepe. Paying departure tax when flying out of Nicaragua may be the single most expensive thing you do at US$32, and this is usually already included in the price of your ticket.
3. Washington, DC
Lincoln Memorial: free. National Air and Space Museum: free. Capitol: free. Library of Congress: free. White House and State Department: tough to get in, but free. Get the picture? Washington is a city packed with iconic things to do and very few of them ask for an entry fee. If you’re happy to walk and bring your own lunch bag, you can absorb centuries of American history, politics and culture without having to so much as touch a dollar bill all day. DC’s Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is the only national park in the USA devoted to water plants. It’s free.
4. Paris
The French capital is never going to win any awards for cheapness, but here’s a winning formula that anyone can afford. First, you need a Swiss Army knife. Then stroll into a boulangerie – every neighbourhood has several – and buy a freshly baked baguette for €1 (US$1.35) or thereabouts. Follow your nose to your next stop, a fromagerie, and grab a fist-sized hunk of cheese. Lastly, grab a bottle of wine, nothing fancy, and head for the banks of the Seine opposite Notre Dame or the garden adjacent to Pont Neuf on a sunny day, preferably with a friend or loved one. Zut alors – a Parisian dining experience for under €10 (US$13.50) per person that any local would declare formidable! You’ll find everything for a picnic on Rue Montorgueil in the 2nd arrondissement.
5. Namibia
Botswana wants big spenders only and South Africa’s not the deal it once was, so southern Africa bargain hunters should head for Namibia. Well set-up for backpackers, this is still a territory of US$50 or less a day if you’re careful, with an excellent network of local minibuses and tours aimed at budget travellers to go to places public transport won’t. And if you go up a price bracket you’ll eat and sleep well in excellent-value midrange options that bring South Africans flocking over the border year after year. Admission to the Cape Cross Seal Reserve on the Skeleton Coast costs a mere US$3 per person.
6. Philippines
The Philippines may be just about to rudely shove Thailand off the ‘best cheap beaches’ perch it’s occupied for the best part of two decades. While travellers argue long and hard about which is cheaper, there’s no denying Thailand is more popular. For those who desire nothing more than to find great, undiscovered beaches, surf the odd wave and eat unique, distinctive food for under US$20 a day, the Philippines has the edge. Add in the possibility of beach camping along the Zambales Coast or in the Bacuit Archipelago and you’ve got the recipe for timeless island hopping that suits any budget. Ferries link many idyllic destinations in the Philippines. Expect to pay around US$5 for each hour you’re on the water.
7. Argentina
The Argentine peso is the currency that keeps on giving. In the middle of the last decade, incredulous visitors regularly queried bills for being too cheap after feasting on fine steak and red wine. While not quite the bargain it was during those years, Argentina still offers a terrific deal. Characterful mid-range hotels start at around AR$180 (US$46) per night in Buenos Aires and Patagonia, and half that in other places. Argentina’s gourmet eating houses usually won’t charge more than US$30 a head and you can enjoy wonderful meals on much less. Best of all, you get great quality food, wine, lodging and transport throughout Argentina for your money.
Bounce up and down with some of Buenos Aires’ more raucous citizens at a fútbol (soccer) match. Terrace tickets for Boca Juniors, River Plate and others cost from AR$14 (US$3.60).
8. Naples
Italy: not cheap. Even a slice of pizza can seem like lousy value if you’ve come from a part of the world that uses a currency that’s slumped against the euro. Thank heavens then for Naples. Here’s one Italian city that prefers food that’s fresh, simple and good value. You can dine brilliantly on the city’s spectacular street food alone. Naples eschews budget-blasting frills in favour of small and simple B&Bs charging around €75 (US$100) per night. Best of all, Naples is a city full of life being lived for its own sake, with few of the tourist hordes who descend on other Italian classics further north.
The ferry from Naples to the idyllic island of Capri, one of Italy’s classic journeys, costs a mere €10.50 (US$14) with Caremar.
9. Ukraine
Eastern Europe isn’t the US50c-a-beer haven for bargain hunters it once was, but good deals are still available. OK,
mid-range hotels can be pricey, especially in the capital, Kyiv, but good budget options in Lviv and Odesa are available for less than US$50. Once on the ground you’ll find your funds go a long way. Public transport is fantastic value, with a train between Kyiv and the lovely city of Lviv costing less than US$10, and a tram ride from the station into town a hundredth of that. If you know where to look, food, beer and coffee can be really very cheap.
One of Ukraine’s top sights is the immense and moving Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv; it includes the final resting place of national poet Ivan Franko and thousands of dramatic tombstones. You get hours of fascinating wandering for less than US$1.
10. Syria
While some neighbouring countries up the entry costs to ancient sites, Syria remains an excellent-value place to travel. As you might expect, there are superb street shwarma (sandwiches), felafel and eye-tightening qahwa (coffee) available for small change. A ride between Aleppo and Damascus won’t touch US$5, and a daily budget of US$50 will get you well into the mid-range bracket. Best of all, the delights of the Old City of Damascus and the souq at Aleppo are free. If you get locked into a tussle with a carpet merchant in the latter, though, you’re on your own.
The Crusader Castle of Crac des Chevaliers, one of the world’s great castles, charges around US$3.50 entry.
- Reference/Source: lonelyplanet.com
1. Antilla
The most expensive house in the world is in India, owned by Mukesh Ambani. It is worth a whopping 1 billion dollars and has 27 floors. The house has a plush health club and a garage that can hold over 150 cars. Why? Just because this business tycoon has a personal collection of 168 cars. The house is made entirely of glass and is 570 feet tall.
2. William Randolph Hearst’s Mansion
This house was initially owned by William Randolph Hearst and has three swimming pools, 29 bedrooms as well as a state of the art movie theater and discotheque. The mansion was put up for sale since 2007 and taken off a year later when nobody showed any interest in it. It is worth 165 million dollars and stretches across 6 acres of land.
3. Elena Franchuk’s Victorian Villa
This house is located in the Kensington district in London was bought recently for about 161 million dollars. This 5-storey house has a 10 bedroom villa, an indoor swimming pool, a panic room, move theater and a sauna plus gym.
4. The Penthouses at One Hyde Park
This house was still under construction the last time we checked. When it is completed, it will be the second most expensive house in the world with a net worth of 160 million dollars. It will be nestled within a skyscraper in London called One Hyde Park.
5. Aaron Spelling’s Manor
This mansion stands on land that stretches across 56,000 square feet of land. The net worth has been estimated at 150 million dollars and was built in 1991. It has 123 bedrooms, a tennis court, a skating rink, a bowling alley and several swimming pools.
6. Hala Ranch
Owned by Prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, this ranch will be found in Colo. It has 27 bathrooms and 15 bedrooms along with an indoor pool, private ski trails, sewage treatment plants, a tennis court, heated stables and a gas station. This 135 million dollar ranch stretches across 14,397 square feet.
7. Dracula’s Castle
This castle was made into a museum during the 1980s and a few year back, Archduke Dominic who is the owner of the house put up the castle for sale for a net worth of 80 million dollars. However, this offer was not accepted and 2 years later, he put up the house for sale again. This time for a price that was not disclosed. Nobody has bought it yet. It has 57 rooms, 17 bedrooms and beautiful antique furniture.
8. Fleur de Lys
worth over 125 million and built by Suzanne and David Saperstein, this house was put up for sale in 2007. The house has 15 bedrooms and the exterior is covered with French limestone while the interior is splashed with 24 karat gold. The house also has furniture items like Marie Antoinette’s curtain patterns and Napoleon’s favorite chair.
9. Maison de l’Amitie
Owned by Donald Trump, this house is in Palm Beach. It stretches across 80,000 square feet of land and holds a conservatory, a ballroom, 15 bedrooms, 8 half-baths, a tennis house and a luxurious guest cottage. The gigantic pool is only a minor part of this 125 million dollar mansion.
10. Updown Court
This house is located in England, just outside London and is reportedly larger than the Buckingham Palace. It has 103 rooms, a bowling alley, a large movie theater, over 3 swimming pools and a squash court. It is worth 116 million dollars and the best part is that the driveway is heated too!
- Reference/Source: top-10-list.org
