Traveling in Ibiza is all it’s reputed to be.  Even if you’re not planning on setting foot near the clubs, there are many wonderful things to do here that will live in your memory for years to come.  A rich island with a fascinating history, there are beaches to enjoy and a city to explore.  Settled in the heart of the Spanish Mediterranean, your in a perfect place to relax and let the worries melt away.  For accommodations, we’re pleased to present the best hotels Ibiza has to offer, with a generous combination of old-fashioned hospitality and all the conveniences of modern life.

It’s easy to stay connected to the world at large while you’re here, but you may not want to.  The call of the sea, and the thought of blending into a perfect moment on a perfect day are always options, and there are worse things that could happen than enjoying yourself for awhile.  If you happen to find yourself being lulled by the muffled sounds of electronic beats from a club nearby, and you have an interest in following the sounds, then you will very likely be pleasantly surprised.  It’s no secret that Ibiza is a prime spot for hearing techno in lavishly designed clubs, but some of the developments in the business are pretty fascinating.

At the International Music Summit in May of 2009, there were plenty of live shows to keep the hungry crowds satiated and thrilled.  The conferences and discussions behind the music reveal some interesting trends.  From Andrew Keen’s  review of the summit, there’s been a lot of discussion about the viability of the music industry, faced with the rapid changes brought on by file-sharing and open source internet music.  It turns out that in electronica, the money is in the djs, who perform week after week, and this live experience builds a respect in the fans, who are more likely to pay for their music than other listeners in the world.  While the electronica revolution marches on, it seems to be dancing to some pretty remarkable beats in the hearts of the music fans.  It’s as good a reason as any to check out those sounds down the beach.

Today’s mission is awareness. Awareness of me, how I feel, what I think and how I react to the encounters I have in the world today. Today from my best Madrid hotel I sit on the balcony and feel the warm morning sun on my face. Aware of its warmth and its increasing as I sat with face pointed sun ward. Awareness is a chore. With all the distractions in the mind and from the outside world awareness is generally fleeting at best. Remaining focused on awareness requires work, focus and most of all awareness. breathing I feel the air pass over my upper lip and flow into my nostrils cool and dry filling my chest and belly. At he top of my breath I begin to release it slowly feeling the warm moist air pass out of my nostrils and over my upper lip and back into the ocean of air we are all connected to. The breathing continues rolling in and out like waves on the ocean drawing in from the seemingly limitless ocean of air into my lungs and the releasing it back to that same ocean that we all are breathing from. Aware that I am one of billions of creatures currently connected to this ocean of air. All dependant on the same ocean and involved in the same rhythm of drawing in and releasing back into the same ocean of air. I continue on for a few more moments when this awareness is changed to the awareness that my stomach is growling. This brings in the awareness that things are ever changing and it is time to get something to eat. Yet the food preparation, and the eating process are act of awareness in themselves. Awareness of colors, shapes, textures, smells and flavors. The input to the senses is great, the awareness of all the input can be difficult and therefore sometimes easier to wander off into the world of distractions. After eating breakfast with awareness I continued throughout my day with this same intention and desire to be aware!

We found an Internet cafe and we were able to send some photos back to friends of our day at the beaches of Ibiza. Then we gathered up and had a light lunch and a lot of water and returned to our room for a quick nap, getting ready, we giggled, for a night of Ibiza opening parties. We rousted up and had a shower and went to Cafe del Mar to watch the incredible sunset. We had paella with lots of prawns and sausage and red wine and a small dish of house made ice cream for dessert then went for a walk down the beach, then to the harbor. We then went to the old historic part of the city. We had clubbed it for a few days now and looked forward to a quiet and serene evening, just missing one of the Espuma parties at a club called Amnesia where the club becomes  filled with foam and people get soaked. We thought though tonight we’d investigate a few of the fifty beaches on the island and we watched the moon come up in the Mediterranean Sea, just out of earshot of the throbbing nightlife of Ibiza.

The next day Sally had hurt her foot so we grabbed a couple Segways and made our way up the cobbled street. We were both familiar with their operation so we didn’t need lessons on how to operate them. Lean a bit forward and there you go forward, lean back and you go back. Handlebars right you go right and left to correct back again to the left. It’s easy. It was easy on our feet too as the machine smoothed out the bumpy scenic street and took them all the way to the top of Dalt Vila, the old town of Ibiza.

If you are one of the rich and famous, if you drive a Rolls Royce or Ferrari, if you own an obscenely decked out yacht, if you have the paparazzi following you or if you just wish that were your life, then you know where Marbella, Spain is. If on the other hand, you are none of the above, then let me tell you. Marbella is part of the Spanish region, Andalusia on the Costa del Sol by the Mediterranean Sea and has less than 100,000 residents. However, it has the highest per capita income in Europe. Back in the 1940’s it was just another small fishing village with a very ancient and documented past dating back to the 7th century BC.

Something happened and it became the in place for the in crowd and everyone that was anyone wanted to live or vacation in Marbella and the surrounding area. Antonio Banderas and wife Melanie Griffith have homes there, as does Joan Collins. Sean Connery was at one time a Marbella property owner. The Golden Mile is a stretch of beach for the very wealthy and their expensive toys and tastes. Bling is everywhere…money is here and it is spent here. The luxury hotels Marbella offers has the same amount of bling, the same richness, the same lavish display of wealth with the staff and service to match. Talk about paradise, you find it when you walk through the doors of one of these fabulous hotels. And of course there is the average population that is hoping to spot a favorite movie star or sports celebrity, maybe shake their hand or get an autograph.

There is a very popular, less expensive area in Marbella, which is delightful, and that is Orange Square in Old Town. With the superb restaurants offering mouthwatering local cuisine and quaint shops nestled among lush foliage and lots of trees, you can have a tremendous experience without the hefty price tag. Whatever the depth of your pockets, Marbella is a definite experience.

New York is a great American city. It is a standard cultural icon and also house some of the best museums and theatres in the country. It is known as the city that never sleeps and it works hard to maintain this distinction. It is the career icon for many artistic genres and many people believe they need to work in New York City to be successful. In addition, it receives tourists from around the world who are attracted to the many shopping, entertainment and cultural experience opportunities the city offers. Broadway is one of the most famous boulevards in the world, and the theatre scene is internationally known. Any boutique hotel in New York is guaranteed to be filled with visitors who are in town for a Broadway show. Many film actors had a start in the theatre and also return to it after they have achieved commercial success in Hollywood. James Dean is another American icon, and he too had his career begin in New York.

James Dean was born in Marion, Indiana. He is one of the most famous American actors and is often considered to be an icon of the method acting system, though he only made three films in his short career. Before moving to California, he acted in New York, getting his first Broadway role in the production of See the Jaguar. His first film was East of Eden, in which he played the troubled youth Cal. This part brought him incredible respect from the community and helped to land him the role of Jim Stark in his next film Rebel Without a Cause. This is his most famous role, and the one that defined him in the national and historic eye. In this film he also played a trouble youth, which contributed to his recognition as the icon of this major national theme. His final, Giant, also starred Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson. Unfortunately, Dean died before the film was finished. Some of his scenes had to be dubbed over by another actor, and it was after the film opened that he became so nationally known and loved.

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, India is the legislative and financial capital of the Indian State of Maharashtra. It lies at the mouth of the Ulhas River on the west coast and with over 14 million residents is considered the second most populated city in the world. There seems to be two distinct seasons, one humid the other dry. Both appealing, both attracting different types of tourists looking for different activities. Mumbai has become an exotic world mixture of cultures, traditions and beliefs. The entertainment industry is abundant here with the numerous festivals throughout the year. Theatre is very prominent and in the forefront with The International Film Festival and the awards ceremony for the Filmfare Awards, which is the oldest and most renown in the Hindi film industry. The Wadala neighborhood boasts the world’s largest IMAX theatre. Marathi, Hindi, English and other neighboring languages are spoken in the theatres, making it very easy to attend a performance you will understand.

Whatever your needs, select a Mumbai Bombay hotel where you will be pampered and spoiled by the ever attentive and friendly staff. The many fabulous restaurants, both in hotels and on their own offer the finest cuisine where you can experience savory and mouthwatering local dishes. The nightlife is exciting and plentiful with the many nightclubs and bars located throughout the city. You can party and dance all night as you take in this side of what to do. There are beautiful gardens, museums, art galleries, water parks, and the zoo all offering hours of entertainment and pleasure. In February, the Elephanta Festival is held, highlighting the many talented musicians and dancers. This annual event attracts participants from all over India and spectators from all over the world. The beautiful architectural designs of the ancient and modern buildings are drawn from many time periods. You will never be lacking for something to do when visiting Mumbai.

One of the aspects of Indian culture that tourists will notice upon their visit and their stay in the Jaipur luxury hotels, is the the city stresses the importance of scientific thinking, the idea the the logical mind is the part of the soul that supports the beliefs of religion.  This is evident in the Jaipur Observatory, the same observatory built by the king three hundred years ago upon his insistence that the stars and the night skies, that the study of astronomy held importance.  Jaipur is the site for many festivals and cultural events and religious celebrations.  To be in the Pink City during one of these events is truly spectacular, as the pale pink walls are the perfect contrast to the colorful parades and processions.  The people are dressed in their best, and decorated heavily with gold and silver bangles and necklaces.  March is one of the times of these such festivals, as the Elephant Festival takes place.  For not only are the people dressed in their colorful best, the gentle beasts are as well.

And any time of year is good for a visit to Old Jaipur.  This is a place for sweet tooths, where it is not fresh fruit in the markets and the stands, but some of the most exotic candies and pastries in the world.  There are so many different kinds of sweet treats, that one will simply loose count, especially in the shops of Laksmi Mishthan Bhandar.  This is not an area for those concerned with calorie or sugar content, this is an experience for those on vacation from every aspect of real life, including their diets.  And many of the restaurants in the area serve up food from various ethnicity’s, while live dance and music is performed or maybe even one of the elegant and delicate Indian Puppet shows.  Jaipur is city of many colors, set in a back drop of pink, and should be visited at least once in ones lifetime.

Bilbao is a Spanish city that is steeped in history, and it is pretty much written on the walls of the all the buildings, the restaurants, the museums and the luxury hotels.  Bilboa is also a city that was built over a span of seven hundred years, and the architecture and the various influences and designers set the background for one of the most stunning cities in the world.  It is culturally aware city, and extremely art driven.  From the Guggenheim to the Basque Museum, and centuries old paintings and sculpture to the archaeological artifacts and remains, the two comprise just a couple of the dynamic and vibrant locations and activities for tourists to soak up while on holiday.  Aside from the larger museums there are more than twenty smaller independent galleries that line the city streets, many of them with permanent collections as well as touring exhibits of the hottest and most talented artist of the modern and contemporary world of art today.

As as far as finding shows to attend in the world of performing arts, there is the Palacio Euskalduna, an Opera house that seats more than two thousands.  On stage here, as well as the long-running seasonal Operas, international bands and musicians perform, as well as the local orchestras of Bilbao and the Euskadi Symphony.  And as with the larger museums and smaller galleries, there are more than seventy five smaller venues in the city performing live shows as well as cinematic festivals and current films.  And many more are built as some of the most famous architects today have signed on to a variety of projects including, Calatrava, Gehry and Pelli just to name a few.  There are just around one million people living in the city today, and is  the force that is driving the economic and social development of the entire Gulf of Biscay region.  Carnivals and festivals celebrated in the region are celebrated in Bilbao, and there are certain festivals as the Semana Grande, and the Carnival that are geared especially for young children.  This one vacation spot that is perfectly suited for the entire family.

India has a very long tradition of arts and crafts, based on age old skills and attention to detail and techniques passed down through generations of artists and artisans.  Different cities have their specialties, and the city of Punjab is known throughout the country for their embroidered materials, scarves, pillows, bedspreads and table cloths are some of the pieces that tourists from other parts of the country as well as those traveling abroad, come to purchase and trade.  There are many India five star hotels located in Punjab, that make these global shopping trips a pleasure and a luxurious way to spend time in the country.  The Punjab artists are well known for their intricate design work using a multitude of colors.  One of the motifs used most often in the work from this region is the Phulkar motif.  This is to indicate flowers that are growing.  Many of the patterns thus contain these various floral creations.

This form of design combined with the vibrant colors has been one of the traditions of the artists for close to two thousand years.  References to this type is found in the ancient texts, the poetry of Wais Shah, the most beloved Sufi poet, and even in the scriptures of the Vedas.  The present design forms can be traced back to those in use during the fifteenth century under the rule of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh.  Many different forms have developed throughout the years.  The designs are placed on cloth that is hand-spun called Khadi.  The Punjab designs are specific and require a delicate touch and attention to detail which has been responsible for the works to be the most sought after and cherished.  Some of the pieces are so entrenched with the floral designs that the embroidery from Punjab got the nick-name “Bagh” which is the word for garden.  Every bit of the material is covered with flowers.  This colorful work can be found in the studios of the artisans in Punjab as well as in many of the open air markets throughout the city.

When one travels to a foreign country for business at a company or a private bank, Singapore has much to offer when the business hours are over and it time to relax.  One of the most popular and serene spots on the island is the Bukit Timah Reserve.  At one time the rainforest took up much of the island, but over the years the development and expansion of the city, has left just this primary area of the forest.  Many of the animal and the plants indigenous to the rainforest are of the largest numbers here on the Reserve.

And should one be visiting the country during the monsoon season, there is nothing quite like standing in the middle of the forest as a thunderstorm breaks.  The rains are loud, as they come down in large drops that are in turn hitting some very large leaves of the plants.  This is a rain that is meant to sustain the forest during the seasons of no rain, so there is an abundance, the ground is literally soaked day after day during the season.  It is an extraordinary natural wonderment and phenomenon to bear witness to.  There is also no point to run for cover, as the rains come fast and hard and one is soaked through in a matter of seconds.  It is best to just stand and soak it up as the surrounding one does.

The forests of Malaysia date back one hundred and forty million years, bringing them in at the oldest rainforest on the planet.  The largest trees which are the main canopy of the rainforest are the Tualang trees.  The earth on the lower levels of the canopy, rely on the leaves and branches that drop from the higher levels as they absorb the waste into the ground for the nutrients to sustain itself.  A healthy rainforest therefore, will often have a relatively clear floor.  The Bukit Timah Reserve offers tours and educational study programs for locals and day trips and classes for tourists wishing to learn more about the history, the ecology and the preservation of the forest and the inhabitants of that forest.

Surrounding each restaurant, coffee shop and hotel, Melbourne Australia has vast expanses of greenery, the parks and the streets are filled with flowers.  The gardens throughout the city are well manicured and offer an array of colorful displays, amongst the public sculptures, the gazebos and the fountains.  Many of the gardens are located close to the center of town, within walking or biking distance, and what is even more wonderful, the botanical gardens in the city are free to the public.  Many include, along with the more than twelve thousands species of plant and flower life, wildlife and bird sanctuaries.  One is able to tour all of the gardens, at a leisurely pace, in the course of one afternoon.

Melbourne is a happening and funky city, but once in a while, it is good to just get out and enjoy nature, the beauty and the serenity.  There is an observatory, rain-forest walks, an herbarium and lakes.  And throughout the summers, the Moonlight Cinema is an incredible way to watch movies, series of cult movies and the classics run through the season, and many bring picnics and bottles of wine and relax under the stars watching the famous movies of our times.

One can find information and maps for all of the gardens at the tourist center just next to the Shrine of Remembrance.  There are guided tours available as well.  All of the gardens are valued for their significance to the city, be it horticultural, historical or aesthetic.  They were placed in the Register of Victorian Heritage in 1999 and derived their names from the governor of the region, Charles Augustus Fitzroy.  James Cook was the early explorer who charted the coast of Australia, and his cottage from Yorkshire was transported to one of the gardens as a gift.  He was born in this cottage, and it remains with the furnishings of his time.  There is a green house that switches out colorful floral displays five times throughout the year, and and abundance of sculpture, included that which is carved as a bas relief of sorts in the Fairy Tree.  Beautiful, beautiful escapes located within the city limits, perfect for a time away for any traveler or resident.

In the world of 5-star hotels, Valencia holds a unique position.  Holding the biggest coastline on the western Mediterranean, there is a long and extremely fascinating history of contact with other cultures.  Having food and drink as a major export, there is a love of cuisine here that holds exceptional promise, and great rewards, for the curious palate.  Valencia oranges, of course, come from here, and so does paella.  There are thousands of recipes for paella, and different schools of thought on its modifications and evolutions.  Enough so that any conversation about paella will be endlessly fascinating, if not a bit heated.  Guests here will be treated to the excellent menus by our own chefs, 24 hour room service, and also the entire city, to investigate its food.

Visitors here are always dumbstruck at the incredible architecture.  There are sites that date back to the Roman occupation, and also the most cutting edge design for some of the newer buildings.  In between these ages there was the Renaissance, and Valencia was one of Spain’s most active cities in terms of artistic output.  One of its favorite sons is the playwright Guillén de Castro y Bellvis.  He lived between 1569-1631, and he is remembered best for his plays which rework and reinvent romances, epics, and adaptations of myths and legends.  Although he was a nobleman by birth, held government and military posts, and was even knighted, he died in poverty in Madrid, and charities paid for his funeral expenses.

His legacy is deeply felt, however, not only for the generous use of verse and romantic flights of fancy, as demonstrated in plays like El Curioso Impertinente, but also because the great Lope de Vega dedicated a play to him, Las Almenas de Toro.  Also, his plays inspired other works by Fletcher, and Calderón, and his Las Mocedades del Cid and Las hazañas del Cid were the first dramatizations of the El Cid story.  El Cid has, of course, great importance throughout Spain, but in Valencia holds a specific place in history.  Ask the locals.  It’s a good story.

When it comes to luxury hotels, Bangalore has a lot to offer.  There are all the usual treats from a luxury hotel, established by standards in the industry, and then there are local touches and other exquisite attentions to detail that make your stay a memorable one.  Bangalore is a fascinating place, where culture and tradition occasionally merge, but often march in diverse rhythms.  Hospitality and graciousness here, however, don’t change, and guests can expect a very healthy supply of both.  There is an impeccable sense of design here, as well as a focus on the good things in life.  Guests can enjoy the many splendid offerings of the hotel, or go out and see the town, or a healthy dose of both.  It is easy to hide away from the day-to-day obligations and melt into rejuvenating the body and soul, and it is also easy to get caught up in the rich urban landscapes that make up today’s Bangalore.

Bangalore has a strong reputation as an economic force and a center of technology in India, as well as having a superb literacy rate, and one of the world’s largest universities.  There are many great minds in Bangalore, some home-grown, some who have left and recently returned, and some who move here.  They all bring a multitude of ideas and points-of-view that contribute to the fabric of the city.  One mover and shaker with some fascinating ideas is the young artist Prayas Abhinav.  He is interested in rethinking public spaces and urban spaces, and has been involved in some of the more heady open content movements in India.  His art practice is a fascinating one, and his work in new media is one that involves many collaborators.

Currently a post-graduate student at the Center for Experimental Arts at Bangalore’s Srishti School of Art, Design, and Technology, Prayas Abhinav has been building a very impressive list of credentials, which includes small films, publishing, performance work, art exhibitions and installations, and various community initiatives which are at the cutting edge of new media work in the world.  He has participated in the Make Them Love You (MTLY) Project in Chennai which is an interesting re-imagining of how mundane signs can affect the lives of the people who live in the city.  It will be interesting to watch this Bangalore artist as he continues to make work and ask questions.

My waiter at one of the Best Cape Town Restaurants were I was having a delightful dinner, mentioned that I should take my car to a township called KwaMandlenkosi. He told me that I would not be disappointed. The next morning I decided to take his suggestion and make a day excursion to this place. I was really impressed when I travelled along N1 Highway and came across The KwaMadlekosi Township. It was located about 1 kilo-meter south of Beaufort West, Africa. I found out later that KwaMandlendosi was the home of the late pioneering heart surgeon, Professor Christian Barnard. I had no idea, he lived in South Africa.

Apparently, the township had become the focal point of one of the shortest African tourism routes for the Open Africa Project and that it was the first in the Great Karoo. It has been designated as a development area named after Mandlenkosi ‘Tsaka’ Kratchi who was a promising young boxer which came to an untimely and unfortunate death. He became a hero during the struggle against apartheid. So, the members of this township are determined to follow his lead by actively improving their township despite their overwhelming poverty and deprivations.

During my visit, I took a pilgrimage to Kartchi’s home and grave site. I wondered through all the many talented craft shops, huts really, and bought some traditional Xhosa items and some wonderful beadwork. I got to taste some local cooking and drank an African beer with the locals at the shebeens. My last stop was to visit the school and was treated to an impromptu performance of a traditional Xhosa choral singing.

The township is in strong contrast to Beaufort West, which has some fine Victorian buildings. KwaMadlenkosi homes are built in a unique style which incorporates clay, shale stones and hessian. Beaufort west is well known for being the only town in Africa where pear trees grow all along the sidewalks, but KwaMandlenkosi has an initiative to plant many hundreds of trees over the next few years in memory of all its noteworthy citizens and community leaders. My waiter last night wasn’t wrong, I was not disappointed.

When making travel plans, and looking for a splendid experience in hotels, India, Mumbai specifically, has all that a globe-trotter needs.  Nestled in one of the most glorious cities in the world, our hotels provide an experience in accommodation that is like nowhere else on earth.  Combining the best in tradition, and the most cutting-edge innovations, our hotels show that hospitality still matters.  There is also an impeccable sense of design, where there is an eclectic spirit that merges graciousness with modernity, and helps to create an overall experience of beauty.  The food is also fantastic, and Mumbai generally has some of the finest eating in the world.  The cultural and geographic position of Mumbai has made it so that global influences, along with a long tradition of excellent cooking, are present.

The streets are often dreamy with the smells from residential kitchens and restaurants, and one place to try the best the Mumbai has to offer is Chetana Vegetarian Restaurant.  It stared in 1946 as a coffee and sandwich shop, and developed a reputation among the artists and intellectuals as a place to meet for lively philosophical discussions, and the menu started to grow.  In 2001, they revamped the decor and the menu to include multi-food with its Gujarati and Rajasthani delicacies, along with an all-you-can-eat buffet menu.  The results of the changes have been stunning, as the rave reviews and loyal customer base can attest.

Fans of Chetana rave about the excellent and friendly service, the range of food offered, but mostly about the quality of the food.  Quantity, it seems, is also high on the list of Chetana’s attributes, as customers regularly stuff themselves with its mouth-watering delights.  It is open every day of the year, and has earned its reputation as a dependably wonderful place to eat in South Mumbai.

The arts and handi-work of the artisans of Delhi is known throughout the world and people travel to India looking to enjoy and purchase the works to bring home with them.  The quality and the distinctive style has made Delhi one of the central art hot spots in the country, as well as Goa and Jaipur.  The arts have flourished over the years due to the support, and the demand of the rest of the world.  The international interest has made it possible for the artists of India to support themselves and to sustain a financially viable way of life.  If one is an art lover, then Delhi is the place to visit, from the Delhi 5 star hotels to the stalls on the streets, the art is everywhere.  There is a rich assortment of well made crafts to choose from.

From hand carved furniture, to pottery, to traditional and modern paintings, to antiques and intricate sculptures of paper mache.  There are many different styles of decorations and furnishings for the home, as well as clothing and toys for the children.  There are many items of interest.  The glazing and the painting techniques of the pottery artists have become famous throughout the country.  The traditions have been influence by the artists of Persia, and are found on coffee mugs, plates, and bowls.  The brass furniture has become well known, as well as the sculpture, and all of the items can be found at extremely good prices, and all the artists are open to bargaining.  The quality of such works is immaculate.

Another side of the arts is in the wood and marble work created.  The carving of the wood is off such technical skill, and includes items such as window frames, dressers, tables and doors.  And for those without the means to export larger items, there are smaller pieces one may bring home with them such as smaller sculptures, picture frames.  Most of the woodwork has a look of an antique style, as the traditions have been followed by the modern artists.  There, are many options for those wishing to purchase reproductions of the deities of the Hindu religion, as most of the work done in marble is in tribute and honor of the god and goddesses.  All artworks are available throughout the many festivals or the bazaars in the streets.  There is something for everyone, and it is all found at reasonable prices.

There is never a dull moment on the island of Singapore.  The restaurants, the theme parks, rain-forest, and the Singapore hotels, are all well acquainted with the needs of those visiting for business, and with those traveling on holiday.  This is the perfect environment for holidays with the entire family, and for those traveling alone as well.  From the fine dining restaurants to the cafes to the hawker stands, the food is simply incredible, everything from sauteed shrimp, to the famous Chili Crab, to Crayfish, Singapore cuisine offers up the flavors of an island that has been influenced through immigration over the years.  The recipes, although some Thai, or Malay or Indian will all have the distinct and unique flavor and character of Singapore.  There is even a fine dining establishment that has a renown herbalist as the chef, and where the servers will check your pulse and make a diagnosis on the suggested evening meal that will best suit whatever malady the customers are facing at the time, whether it be jet lag, a hangover, or PMS, one will feel healthy and rejuvenated after dinner at the Imperial Herbal Restaurant.

There are outdoor spas set in the gardens surrounding the rain-forest, all varied with post-modern designs to all that is hip and funky on the island of Singapore.  After one dines they may decide to head to Ming Village.  Ming vases?…Ming Village.  This area of the island has been known throughout history for the delicately painted vases and porcelain pieces that have been created in this region.  At the Village, visitors will learn about the history, the tradition that is poured onto every delicate ‘canvas’.  And if one is traveling with particularly deep pockets, there is a wide variety of pieces available for purchase.  For those on a tighter budget, or those traveling with children, classes are made available and one can create their own legacy of the Ming Dynasty to take home with them.  Classes available range from painting, to hand-throwing the clay, to the making of molds.  This is a technique that has many years behind it and is one exciting way to take a bit of the island back home.

When a person is asked to consider a Spanish coastal city or area, Barcelona will usually come to mind, and for good reason. It is a beautiful global city with a rich cultural heritage. However, upon further consideration, Costa Brava may enter one’s mind, and this two occurs for a very good reason. Located in the Northeastern Catalonian region, this fabulous city also has much to offer in regards to culture, historic landmarks and entertainment. And as it is with most cities in Spain, the cuisine is fabulous. Tourists who stay in a Costa Brava hotel often have great entertainment and dining options right outside their door, and often take advantage of the happy hours and amenities available to them.

In the 1950s, Costa Brava came into its own as a major tourism center and vacation attraction. Franco realized this potential and initiated the development of major holiday packages and interest draws. Many coastal resorts were constructed and businesses that catered specifically to tourists. Since then, tourism has surpassed fishing as the major economic resource of the area.

The entire Catalonia region is known for its beautiful scenery, and Costa Brava emphasizes this. It has attracted many artists, and among them is Salvador Dali, famous for his surrealist paintings. There is a museum dedicated to him, and it is one of the most popular and prominent museums in the country. Some of his most famous paintings include The Persistence of Memory and The Sacrament of the Last Supper. The Persistence of Memory is probably the most famous of all of Dali’s works and is commonly considered to be his signature piece. It is known for its drooping, almost melting looking clocks. The Sacrament of the Last Supper was finished in 1955 and took him about nine months to create. It continues to be one of his most popular paintings. It is known for its combination of classical themes with the Surrealist perspective, and is jarring for most viewers on first observation.

Barcelona is one of the most famous cities in Spain. It has a diverse cultural and entertainment scene and a dynamic heritage. It has been a prominent Spanish city and has played a major role in its history. It is also well known for the artists that it has bred, and those that have and are attracted to its cafes. It’s citizens take pride in it, and it attracts numerous tourists every year. And while it is one of the largest and most active metropolitan areas in Spain, its numerous parks and recreational centers contribute to a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. It is positioned right on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, which provides citizens and tourists great views and easy water access.

The top Barcelona hotels and oriented to luxury accommodations and services that contribute to a fabulous vacation, or pleasant and successful business trip. Whatever the reason for visiting Barcelona, the hotels and resorts provide the necessary resources to accommodate one’s trip. Information on various entertainment and dining options is available from the front desk or concierge of many of the best resorts. They also assist with transportation information, and some even serve as money exchange centers. Whatever they offer, or however they are themed or oriented, the resorts in Barcelona are world class and suit all travelers.

The theatre and arts scene of Barcelona is world known. This city, as well as Madrid, is internationally recognized for its artists and productions. The Teatre Lliure, Teatre Tivoli and Teatre Poliorama are three of the most popular and well-known theatres in Barcelona and offer regionally developed as well as internationally known productions. There are many other companies that offer a diverse selection of performances and feature various genres of artistic expression. Dance is a common repertoire aspect of some of the companies, as well as experimental works. Barcelona is well known for its support of new developments in the arts and theatre plays an essential role in its society.

There is no question that when it comes to five-star hotels, Spain holds an esteemed place.  In a country where European elegance mixes with old-world traditions of hospitality and chivalry, there is a feeling here that is unlike any other place in the world.  Luxury and charm are in excess here, and the hotels are a perfect reflection of these ideals.  The amenities are cutting-edge, offering the best in technology and design, and still maintaining an excellence that comes from centuries of fascinating history and tradition.  There are incredible beaches, urban centers that define the modern city, and a vivacious culture that is infectious.  With its amazing museums and dizzyingly exciting night life, Spain has something extraordinary to offer members of the whole family.

Then there are the people of Spain.  With some of the most interesting personalities in the history of the world, Spain gives birth to artists and intellectuals who are true individuals.  This is certainly the case with one of the 20th centuries most visible artists, Salvador Dali.  Born in Figueres, in Catalonia, in 1904, the artist often said that he was the reincarnation of his brother, who died nine months before his birth.  This colorful figure would come to stand for one of the most interesting art movements in modern times, surrealism.  Dali experimented with other schools of art, such as cubism and futurism, he landed in surrealism with a large and unmistakable crash.  His iconic paintings made him one of the grandfathers of the style, and his unique visions serve as some of the most recognizable representations of the art of the subconscious.

Salvador Dali’s political leanings got him booted out of the surrealist camp by the founder, Andre Breton, yet his work still remained fiercely grounded in the world of dreams.  His melting clocks, tigers coming from pomegranates, and the numerous mystical portraits of his wife, Gala, are some of the most reprinted works of art in the world.  He also had a definite flair for the flamboyant, with his long and slender physique walking through the streets of New York City with his waxed mustache and elegant cane.  His appearance on the Tonight Show, with a leather rhinoceros, made him an instantly-recognizable celebrity of the bizarre.  There is a museum in his hometown Figueres,  the Dali-Theatre Museum, where some of his most peculiar objects are on display, to stand as a tribute to an eccentric and extremely influential Spaniard.

Many cities around the country have set up a net work of bike sharing.  These are bicycle that are owned by a particular company, but are distributed throughout the cities for public use as very low costs.  Cities such as Portland, San Francisco and Minneapolis have been doing this for years, and recently the city of Manhattan has stepped up their efforts to make this a viable mode of transportation.  The bike stations are placed at various locations throughout the city, close to any hotel, Central Park, downtown and each of the five boroughs.

Anyone living in the area can easily access this mode of transportation, bringing the bicycle on the trains to further enhance the ease at which they get from one place to the next.  This is an extra added augmentation to the already competent public transit offered throughout the city.  And with the general population becoming more health conscious each and every day, this is one of the programs that is gaining in popularity.  During any given day in Paris, more than seventy thousand residents and tourists take advantage of this service.  New York is looking to match and eventually surpass that number.  This is a cost effective and healthy alternative to getting around some of the more congested cities of the world.  One very attractive aspect, is that this is an answer to transportation issues that is quickly implemented.  Programs set forth in Paris, doubled in just six short months.  As well as the quick implementation seen in Montreal.

The program involves the registration, for either use by the day, the week or the month.  The memberships can be purchases online and users receive cards, much like the transport cards used to ride the trains and the buses.  Members swipe their cards at the bike stations, enter a password and choose their bike.  Close to their destination, are similar stations where they just simply drop off the bike and continue on to their destination.  The first program of this kind is recorded in 1968, in the Dutch city of Amsterdam.  Although not entirely successful, as many bikes were stolen, improvements and organization have made this a viable and cost effective option in the cities around the world.

One of the most popular vacation destinations in Europe is on the East Coastline of Spain, and is located conveniently to other hot spots, Alicante and Valencia.  With many resorts and luxury hotels, Benidorm remains to be very well traveled.  Even in this economy, the rooms available on the island remained booked at 90 percent capacity all year round.  The central location is convenient for many Europeans as a quick getaway, being just a two hour plane flight from many of the major cities such as Berlin, London, Milan, Paris and Zurich.  Besides its central location, there is something for everyone on the beaches of this Spanish town, for those of every age.

Entertainment for children and for family vacationers can be found at one of the theme parks, of which 4 of the largest parks in Europe are found in Benidorm.  For the adults, there is a Casino that hosts international concerts and variety ensembles, and there is a wide variety to chose from for nightlife fun.  From cabaret shows, to disco clubs, and many live dinner theater and musical extravaganzas.  And for those seeking more fun in the sun, than the fun of the nightlife, there are many outdoor adventures, be it hikes or scuba diving and sailing off of one of the beautiful beaches.  And for a little more of a relaxing experience outdoors, there are many parks and gardens that are perfect for afternoon strolls.

The beaches of Benidorm, of which there are two major beaches, Levante and Poniente, are known throughout the country as some of the cleanest beaches of Europe.  They stretch for long expanses and the sand is an incredible shade of gold.  These beaches are credited with the continued success of the tourist industry, for they provide not only the pristine atmosphere perfect for those wanting peaceful and relaxing holidays, but the clear blue water is a great setting for any of the water sports offered by the many hotels and resorts, or for those simply wanting a nice swim.  This is one destination where one can escape to year round as the weather remains mild and sunny, even throughout the winter months.  There is no wonder that Benidorm has become the favorite spot for European travelers.

New Yorkers celebrated Gay Pride this last week, as did many people in cities throughout the world.  This was the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots that occurred in Greenwich Village in 1969.  On the morning of June 28, police raided the Stonewall Inn and what occurred was a series of demonstrations and riots.  This instance is the first in the history of the United States where those in the gay community fought and protested a system sponsored by the country’s government.  Those in the community had been persecuted for years, however on that morning they stood together and thus began the movement for gay rights, not only in New York, but in the entire country and throughout the world.

During the 50’s and into the 60′, legal systems in the U.S were extremely anti-gay, and some groups had the mission of proving that gays could become heterosexual through proper education.  By the end of the 60’s however many other groups were standing up for their rights.  This was the time of demonstrations against the Vietnam war, and the time of Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement.  The influence and the power of these political movements, along with the fire of the recent riots in Greenwich Village, inspired those in the homosexual community to stand up for themselves as well.

During this time in history, many businesses did not welcome the business of gays. The few that did were often the bars or some of the smaller best restaurants.  New York City Mafia owned the Stonewall Inn, which was home to many young runaways, hustlers, and drag queens.  While the police regularly raided the bars in the Village and were well aware of the actions, they were not ready for what was in store for them at the Inn.  The situation quickly became elevated and out of control.  This incident began the movement, for within just a couple of weeks following the riots, gay newspapers were conceived and published, and groups were organized that would eventually make history.  In the way that tragedy does tend to motivate, the people were brought together as a unit standing up for not only themselves, but for others in the gay community as well.  The first Pride march occurred in 1970 in just two U.S. cities, Manhattan and Los Angeles.  Now, Gay Pride is a world wide event, a series of celebrations that end with the finale on June 28, commemorating the date, how far society has come, and how much further we still need to go.

Mauritius is a beautiful island located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa. It is approximately 900 kilometers east of Madagascar. It is part of the Mascarene Islands and is situated between the French island of Reunion and the island of Rodriguez. It has an interesting history and its rich social atmosphere reflects this. There are many natural elements that attract tourists to this island every year and they stay in the best hotels Mauritius while they’re there. Another aspect of the island that is popular with residents as well as attractive to tourists are the many festivals that are celebrated there. Two of the major annual festivals are the Maha Shivrati and the Chinese New Year.

The Maha Shivrati is a Hindu festival that takes place every year on the 13th night and the 14th day of the waning moon in the month of Maagha. General aspects of the celebration include offerings of leaves, Beal, to the Lord Shiva and all day fasting. This is accompanied by an all night vigil. In addition, penances are performed in the form of yoga and meditation. This is done in order to achieve spiritual evolution and reach the point of no further need to incarnate.

The Chinese New Year is a major celebration in China and serves as one of its most important traditional holidays. It usually begins on the first day of the first month in the Chinese calendar and extends through the 15th day. This final day has its own name and is known as the Lantern Festival. The customs and traditions associated with the festival vary from region to region, as well as the various countries and locations that also celebrate it. One of the common traditions is a great family feast on the eve of the New Year. The evening ends with a display of fire works. Another common aspect of this festival is decorating windows and doors with festive red cut paper with poetic couplets indicating happiness, health and prosperity.

Looking for the perfect luxury hotel?  Dubai is a treasure trove.  Combining old-world hospitality and graciousness with new-world style and design, the hotels here are famous for their splendor, and the guests here are treated like royalty.  With a sumptuous combination of natural wonder and metropolitan cool, Dubai is an amazing setting for any trip, whether the purpose is business or pleasure.  The city itself is something of an international hot spot, with a dazzling array of cultural activities, public festivals, and ample shopping.  In recent years it has come to be identified with high culture, with an amazing number of galleries that seem to pop up out of nowhere every few months.  The curators and artists here have their fingers on the pulse of something extraordinary, and any visit here should include the visual art.

Local artist Patricia Millns is one of many artists who are making Dubai their home base.  Dividing her time between here and Beirut, her reputation is growing rapidly, and in 2007 she was named one of the Top 100 people in Dubai.  It’s quite an honor, and her art is really something to behold.  Her background is in Northern Ireland, where she spent her formative years before attending art school in Birmingham, UK.  Her early works show an interest in Celtic art, using the symbols and repeated patterns to make new works of visual beauty, with comments on contemporary culture in the face of the past.  She has been traveling in the Middle East for the past 20 years, and in this time she has found her same obsession with patterns and iconography to repeat, and her work has evolved to incorporate Arabic designs into her works.

With impressive credits like the DIFC Gulf Art Fair, the work of Patricia Millns is reaching huge numbers of art aficionados.  She has made some large-scale installations using flags and repetitive iconography to make works that comment on individual identity, where the unique is absorbed into a larger whole, in a public exlploration of the traditions of Sufi mysticism.  She also has made smaller works, of course, which are shown in Dubai and Beirut, and can also be seen in galleries all over the region.  Many of her works are held in private collections around the world.  Her eye for detail and visionary capacity to transfer the small to the sublime is something that makes her a unique artist, and one to certainly watch in the coming years.

For savvy travelers on the lookout for the world’s greatest hotels, Dubai, UAE is a sensational find.  A beautiful location in a tradition of hospitality and luxury, Dubai is one of the most spectacular cities in the world.  With magnificent beaches, fantastic shopping experiences, and a constantly-unrolling urban landscape, there is something for every global traveler.  Once seen as simply a major hub for international business professionals, there is also an enormous cultural scene.  Recent years have seen a lot of growth here, with galleries, live music, and arts festivals all year long.

One of the big pushes for the cultural revolution have come from the interior structures of Dubai.   In March, 2008, Dubai Culture, formerly known as Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.  Conceived as part of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, Dubai Culture is a government authority that aims to contribute to Dubai’s cultural rebirth, by building on its reputation as one of the world’s most multicultural cities.

Beginning with the assumption that a lively arts scene helps the place by contributing to public dialogue, public participation in cultural definition, and adding quality to the moments of daily life, Dubai Culture recognizes that art makes for a healthy community, economically and socially.  A public who participates in an active art scene is more inspired and educated, and these gifts influence all other realms of social influence.  This visionary idea, and these ideals, are really put to work here in Dubai, who just recently sponsored a fashion show featuring designers with special needs.  The result was a stylish and classy evening that highlighted the best and the most elegant of Dubai culture, and also promoted a social cause that helps to elevate an under-represented demographic in the public eye, and audiences and participants all reaped the benefits.

Looking for a perfect five-star hotel? Dubai will graciously accommodate your travel needs. With a keen eye toward luxury and splendor, these hotels offer the best of the best in one of the most exciting cities in the world. With the splendid surroundings, with beaches and desert, and a rich urban heartbeat, there are tremendous adventures to be had here, along with recreational activities that will rejuvenate the senses.

The cultural life of the city has taken quite a turn in a new direction. With the influx of international tourists and worldly celebrities, there is a mix of old world custom and new world convenience. One can find most anything here, and if you happen to be looking for a good place to buy an electric guitar, the Fann al Sout music shop will certainly help you on your way. The word on the street here is that this is the best place for Ibanez guitars, but they do carry a very interesting selection of musical instruments. There are strings and pipe instruments, all kinds of guitars, including electric and classical, musical accessories, drums and other percussion instruments, harmonicas, and a nice supply of dj equipment, including lighting instruments. They also specialize in instrument repair and rental, and are on the way toward becoming an important importer-exporter for all kinds of instruments and musical supplies.

For local musicians, this shop is a blessing. With a knowledgeable staff and a location that is in the heart of the instrument shops in town, Fann al Sout is regarded highly among the musical artists in the city. This is no small fete, when in recent years the artistic landscape has changed, and more professional musicians are making this their new home. There are also the young who are deciding to stay and participate in the cultural life of the city. It’s a vibrant core with the energy of a scene in the making, and shops like this will play an important part in the cultural evolutions of Dubai city.

Visitors on the lookout for perfect five-star Dubai hotels will find their share of glorious accommodations in the heart of Dubai city. A major center for culture and commerce in the region, Dubai offers a generous share of natural wonder and urban enchantments. And the city itself is in the midst of some very exciting changes, brought on by the cultural exchanges that happen when a city becomes an international hotspot.

One fine example of change and flux in action is B_asement Gallery, one of Dubai’s up and coming spaces presenting and highlighting new art works. Founded by an eclectic team of entrepreneurs, art collectors, and architects, B_asement features emerging artists practicing in the disciplines of installation, video art, painting, photography, and sculpture. The result is an exciting space that speaks to the needs of the region, and also communicates a firm and bold presence in the international art community.

Their first installation, in 2008, was a collection of works by emerging Iranian artists under the age of 40. This was a profoundly bold move to bring attention to under-represented works by important artists in the region. Baharak Raoufi, one of B_asement’s founders, explains that this is indeed one of the strategies of the gallery: to bring to light significant works by significant artistic voices that have before now had to live in the metaphorical basement of the art world. This is a refreshing and intriguing method of creating a new artistic space, and one that the world desperately needs. The continuing success of the gallery speaks to a remarkable vision, and one that should be witnessed first hand. The attention from the local population has been very strong, and there is also a large multi-national presence of interesting and influential visitors at the B_asement. While it is possible to visit the gallery to rub shoulders, there are also amazing artworks that will satisfy and stimulate cultural hungers.

Tourists who are visiting the country and staying in one of the five star hotels in Bangkok have plenty of options for cultural and entertainment experiences. The theatre is always a great way to gain an in-depth awareness of different culture’s social perspectives and orientations and Thailand has a great variety of examples of this. The Crescent Moon Theatre Group in Bangkok Thailand has been operating for 20 years. It was first established in 1969 by a group of students from Thammasat University who loved literature and the theatre arts. It was originally developed to showcase short stories and plays.

Throughout its years, the Crescent Moon Theatre Group has put up many full-length shows as well as developed workshops for students from various universities. It has been through many political upheaval periods in the country and has had its own transitions and structural reorientations. It has become one of the major theatre’s in Bangkok and focuses on serious works with philosophical themes. The group takes a holistic approach to the theatre and sees a production as more than the acting out of a playwright’s script. The script is only one aspect of the creative process, and the bringing of it to life is as essential as the writing.

In 2007 the Crescent Moon Theatre Group held the first women’s festival in Bangkok, featuring female playwrights and directors. The festival, Women in the Moon: A Playwrights and Directors Festival was held in May of that year. It was the first of its kind celebration of Thai women artists and their outstanding contributions to the theatre. It was also centered on establishing a dialogue for artists to share their experiences, work theories and ideas. Forming a community of artists increases individual passion and a sense of connection to the field. The festival was also oriented toward recognizing various issues encountered by women and female theatre artists.