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Spain’s Ibiza Island

The Balearic Islands of Spain are world-famous for their fabulous beaches and legendary party scene. Perhaps the most well-known of these islands is Ibiza. With a reputation for beach raves and allnight dance clubs, Ibiza has worked in recent years to tone down its image and attract quieter, family-oriented tourists. While this has resulted in various new laws and regulations (including a requirement that all new hotel development be of the standards of 5 star hotel Ibiza), there is still plenty of partying to be had on the island.

First stop on an visit to Ibiza must be the beach. Playa d’en Bossa is the most popular, but there are so many beaches ranging from retail and party locations to secluded coves that everyone will find a beach that suits them. In addition to restaurants, clubs, and shops, beaches offer great opportunities for sailing, swimming, and other water sports. Or simply soak up the sun and do some people watching. Many beaches offer stunning coastline views and beautiful sunsets.

The hippies that descended on Ibiza in the 1960s and 1970s have left a tradition of Hippie Markets that can be a delight for dedicated shoppers. There are also small local shops and even a few designer boutiques in Ibiza’s larger cities. Don’t forget to sample the amazing Spanish cuisine available across the island, especially dishes featuring seafood as fresh as only an island can offer. Venture to the island’s interior villages to find more rustic, country fare and enjoy the forests and lakes of Ibiza.

Other attractions on Ibiza include the Caves at Can marca, the island’s two National Parks, and various historic landmarks. The island offers train tours to explore Ibiza’s countryside. There is also an aquarium that has been built into an abandoned smuggler’s cave and a new water slide park for families.

Tags: 5 star hotel, Balearic Islands, Ibiza, ibiza hotel

New York Attractions

The most popular tourist destination in the United States isn’t Disneyland or Washington, D.C., it’s New York City. Every year millions of visitors travel to the Big Apple to enjoy this melting pot of culture, language, and food. As a world leader in fashion, film, theater, art, television, and finance, New York has long been an influence and a blueprint for other global cities.

New York’s history stretches back to 1624 when it was a Dutch trading post. Throughout the centuries, it served as the original US capital and grew to be the largest city in America by 1790. As such, the city is full of historical landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Ellis Island Museum, and the Empire State Building. Some of the more historical architecture and engineering masterpieces of New York can be viewed in the city’s various boroughs and neighborhoods including Harlem, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens.

Financial landmarks in New York include the New York Stock Exchange and Wall Street as well as the world headquarters of the all the major corporations. Manhattan was also the site of the World Trade Center and the site of those twin towers is still a popular destination. Diplomatic junkies will want to visit the headquarters of the United Nations while academics can tour the many prestigious universities located in the New York.

Long a leader of the arts, New York is full of some of the greatest museums in the world, including the Museum of Modern Art (affectionately known as MoMA) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and other performing arts venues offer world-class opera, ballet, orchestras, and modern dance. As the home of Broadway, New York’s theater scene is unparalleled with Off-Broadway, Shakespeare in the Park, and several world-reknown schools for actors, directors, and playwrights. In the twentieth century New York became a center for television and film, with the headquarters of all the major broadcast networks, a number of cable network studios, and several major film festivals.

And don’t forget that New York is the home of Times Square and Central Park. It’s also a city with incredible restaurants offering just about any cuisine from around the world and home to flagship eateries by the world’s top chefs. Visitors can choose from a variety of five star New York hotels and shop on the legendary 5th Avenue. And every night celebrities, locals, and tourists meet in the trendiest nightspots in North America.

Tags: Big Apple, five star, New York, new york hotels, NYC

Victoria Memorial in Kolkata

As the colonial capital of India, Kolkata is a haven of Indian historical and cultural sites. While no longer the Indian capital, Kolkata (formerly spelled Calcutta) serves as the capital of the state of West Bengal and is the second largest city in the country. Every year visitors come to the city to absorb the history and culture, enjoy the amazing Bengali food, stay in five star Kolkata hotels, and shop to their hearts delight in the many bazaars, markets, and malls.

One of the more popular historical attractions in Kolkata is the Victorial Memorial. Dedicated as memorial to Great Britian’s Queen Victoria who was also the Empress of India, it now houses a museum of British and Indian arts and sculpture from colonial times as well as tributes to the Queen. The grounds are a popular picnic area for families on weekends and a there are nightly light and sound shows in both Bengali and English.

Designed by Sir William Emerson, the Memorial was built between 1906 and 1921. Although it was intended to be designed in the Italian Renaissance style, Emerson incorporated many Mughal elements in the final design. Constructed entirely of white marble, the building is surrounded by extensive gardens. The dome of the Memorial features a black bronze Angel of Victory with a bugle in her hand. In strong winds, the five meter tall Angel serves as a weather vane. The Memorial was the inspiration of the then Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon.

Dedicated in 1921 by the Prince of Wales (the future King Edward VIII), the Memorial remains one of the best preserved and maintained structures in India. It is home to a number of likenesses of men who played important roles in India’s history, including statues, paintings and drawings. Of course, most of the figures are British.

Tags: Calcutta, five star hotels, Kolkata, Kolkata hotels, Victoria Memorial

Things to do in Goa

Many tourists arrive in Goa every year intending to use it as a gateway to other parts of India. However, this smallest of India’s states is a wonderful destination in and of itself, with many Indian and European tourists drawn to its lovely beaches and warm weather. As a former colony of Portugal rather than Great Britian, the region’s colonial heritage is distinct from the rest of India, though the Eastern influences and energy remain.

With miles of sparkling coastline, Goa is famous for its beaches. Here visitors can soak up the sun and enjoy the ocean waters. More adventurous types will find many opportunities for activities such as scuba diving and parasailing. Goa’s coastal location also guarantees an abundance of fresh seafood and the delectable Indian dishes that incorporate it.

Some of the cities in Goa are increasingly modern. In addition to traditional markets and restaurants, you can find modern restaurants, clubs, and five star hotels in Goa. However, most of Goa is comprised of smaller, traditional villages that provide a friendly and relaxing environment for those wishing to explore Indian culture.

There are many historical and cultural sites in Goa. Mangueshi Temple, Bom Jesus Basilica and the Church of the Imaculate Conception are a few of the religious sites to visit. Museum lovers will want to check ou thte Goa State Museum, the Naval Aviation Museum, or the architectural museum which is called the Houses of Goa. There are also a number of historic forts to explore.

Goa is also home to a number of wildlife preserves that animal lovers may want to visit. These include the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Cotiago Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tags: five star hotels, Goa, hotels in Goa, India

Madras Music Season

Every year thousands gather in Chennai to enjoy the Madras Music and Dance Season. Chennai was formerly known as Madras and the festival began in 1927 as a celebration of the opening of the Madras Music Academy. The main festival is also known as the Margazhi festival. The Madras Music Season is the largest cultural event in the world drawing together musicians, dancers, scholars, artists, critics, and music and art lovers from around the globe. The season runs from mid-December into January.

What began as a month-long music festival featuring traditional Carnatic music has grown into a collection of over twenty-five festivals running throughout a nearly two month period. Over 1000 performances of classical Indian music and dance are featured as well as theater and art. Attendees are also offered discussions, lectures, demonstrations, and seminars.

The Music and Dance season is organized by numerous Sabhas or music halls. Each of the Sabhas offers a number of kutcheris or formal concerts. Competition for the top performers and musicians can be fierce between Sabhas. The most talented and popular performers are usually scheduled at night and there can be a number of the performing at the same time. Due to the sheer number of spots available, the Madras Music Season is also known for offering newer artists a chance to perform and exhibit alongside more established talent. The traditional Carnatic concerts last around three hours.

Visitors to Chennai during the season will find the city bustling with excitement and music. The cooler weather at this time of the year is another attraction since the city is usually hot. In addition to the music, dance, and arts events, Chennai offers incredible food, great shopping, and vibrant night clubs. The city also houses beaches, historical sites, and parks to round out a visit. Choose from the many five star hotels in Chennai or investigate other hostels, resorts, and hotels.

Tags: Chennai, five star, hotels Chennai, Madras Music Season