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Destination Weddings are weddings that take place away from where the bride and groom live. They happen in some of the most exotic and wonderful places in the world. These types of non-traditional weddings provide the bride and groom with dreamy settings, while doubling as an opportunity for guests to experience a place they have never been before.

“Today’s couples are more educated, sophisticated, and better traveled than couples of past generations. More affluent than past marrying couples, 27% of these Generation Y couples ( children of the baby boomers and twice the numbers ) will pay for their entire wedding, and they want something different for themselves and their guests; they want to be pampered and taken seriously.

In the year 2006, nine percent of weddings in the United States were destination

weddings, which is a 200% increase in the last ten years. Generation Y couples are tired of the “themed” weddings that became so prevalent and overused in the past. They want to experience different cultures and real settings rather than a “staged” wedding.”

“Although women are still the primary decision makers of the wedding plans, men are more involved today than couples of the generation that preceded them, 83% of today’s couples are employed full time; they work hard (they are paying a mortgage and own one or two automobiles between them). Equally, they want to play hard; realizing that they are together rarely, they want to plan events that will bring them closer. As well, they want to create deep and meaningful memories for the family and friends. Since most couples are not getting married in the areas where they grew up, their time with family and friends is all the more precious and important to them. If they can do this in a unique or even an exotic setting, all the more enticing,” Ernst adds.

St Barthelemy, located in the French West Indies, is that exotic setting today’s bride is looking for. It is the Monte Carlo of the Caribbean, without the traffic jams but with the added advantage of flawless beaches. Shortened to Saint Barth in French and St Barts in English it is an exclusive eight square mile (21 sq km) embodiment of 24-carat French chic. It attracts millionaires on luxury yachts, movie stars and French expatriates fleeing the European winter. It is a Caribbean island where relaxation and Gallic style under a tropical sun have been refined to perfection.

Few islands worldwide, can match the unique blend of style, nature and history that is St. Barts. This tiny island has significant appeal where ‘quality’ is most certainly more important than ‘quantity’… an island far away from the normality of life, making it the perfect wedding destination.

St. Barts is surrounded with turquoise waters, situated near the northern end of the Lesser Antilles group in the French West Indies. At a distance of 200 kms from the island of Guadeloupe and 25 kms from Saint-Martin. It is a mountainous island whose only flat area is occupied by the airport’s runway. As the climate is rather dry, agriculture has never been developed, thus throughout history few slaves had ever been employed. For the most part, St. Bartians are descendants of Breton and Norman fisher folk. Many are of French and Swedish ancestry, the latter evident in their fair skin, blond hair, and blue eyes.

St. Barts’ beaches are renowned for being some of the most beautiful and pristine in the world. Many are found in small coves, which have been protected from development by strict environmentally friendly zoning. Unlike many of its neighboring Caribbean islands, it has not been overrun with prefab condos and large chain hotels. There are six 4 star hotels all featuring romance packages for the wedding or honeymoon couple. All are of single story design, some as one building and others as separate single bedroom villas. Four are located on the beach (perfect for reading-of-the-vows ceremony) the other two are high on the hills with magnificent views of the island and setting sun. Each hotel has been uniquely designed, blending into the surrounding terrain. Luxury and elegance is felt in each environment.

St. Barts features some of the best cuisine in the Caribbean. The island has over eighty restaurants featuring culinary styles ranging from classic French to Asian to West Indian.

Many of the restaurants attract gourmet chefs trained in France to oversee their kitchens. These chefs can also be reserved to serve guests in the intimate privacy of their own villa for any special event or treasured evening. Villas on the island offer breath taking views and the perfect setting for your reception, especially with your own private French chef.

Nightlife of St. Barts is diverse as well. Visitors looking for late-night pleasures can listen to live jazz at a café or dance the night away at one of the local discos or after hours clubs.

St. Barts is also a duty-free port, rated as one of the premier shopping destinations in the Caribbean. The capital Gustavia is the principal shopping area of the island. There are boutiques and emporiums for the most sophisticated shoppers, featuring luxury brands such as Cartier, Hermes, Dior to name a few. The island hosts numerous health and beauty clinics and fitness centers catering to the island’s upscale clientele.

It is important to realize that planning a wedding in a foreign country still has the usual concerns and worries of any home based event; there is the additional stress that something could go wrong in a different location. Aside from making travel reservations for the group, a couple needs to consider local legal issues. For instance, marriage in St Barts is not a legal ceremony, rather it is viewed as a spiritual ceremony. For this reason and others, travelers planning to marry in any foreign country should give serious consideration to hiring a local, home based Wedding Consultant for guidance and advice as well as an on-site Wedding Consultant at the particular destination. .The on-site Consultant will insure that the hosts of the event have all the required documentation, that every detail is planned long before arrival and that only the most competent, professional and expert wedding vendors with proper contracts will provide their services . These on-site Consultants can also provide any needed assistance if the couple chooses to bring along some of their own vendors (e.g. the photographer, floral designer, videographer, etc.). They will check that each client and guest is properly retrieved at the airport, that they are provided with the planned-for-accommodations, and that they are well rested from travel before beginning the schedule of any local tours and sightseeing prepared for in advance. Moreover, the on-site consultant can also suggest local customs that will make the wedding truly unique, one that family and friends alike will talk about for a very long time.

“Premium IV is truly one of the foremost on-site specialists. Located on St Barts they are members of AFWPI (Association for Wedding Professionals International) and JWI (June Wedding, Inc^®). The management team of Premium IV is made up of three experts in service: a successful Canadian entrepreneur, an English expert in receptive tourism and a French restaurateur who have provided magnificent service in the best restaurants and hotels in France, the UK, USA, and St Barts. Additionally, the highly qualified and bilingual staff (French and English) have many years of experience in the island way of life.

They will provide the ultimate in V.I.P. services. Premium IV has brought together, under one umbrella, only the best that St Barts has to offer. With over 120 contracted partners providing approximately 450 products and services. There is virtually no request that Premium IV cannot arrange,” says International Travel Writer, Jesse Nash.

Any special event wedding, honeymoon or other special event that takes place on St. Barts is special and memorable simply due to the Island’s own enchanted ambiance and unique hospitality. The St. Barts experience is all the more enhanced when it is under the direction of a competent Consultant and Director, at home and on the Island. A Consultant or Director who leaves nothing to chance, who sees to it that not only is the St. Barts experience itself magical, but also one that will be treasured forever in the hearts and memories of the travelers. The staff of Premium IV takes the added steps of communicating with the client and/or their home-based Consultant before arrival on St. Barts so that every detail is discussed and decisions are determined and firmed up in writing. From the moment the client and guests set foot on St. Barts, they enter into a well-scripted, stress-free atmosphere in which they will be completely at ease and confident that all the planning will play out like as closely as possible to their dreams.

John Day
President
Premium IV

Contact info:
Phone: 0590 290 007
From the US - 011 590 590 290 007
Fax : 011 590 590 290 008
Email: sales@premiumiv.com
Website: http://www.premiumiv.com

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A visit to London is a great opportunity for tourists to be one with nature and all the beauty and life it holds. London is rich in nature’s beauty that can be well enjoyed in its large number of parks. One of the most popular parks in London is The Regent’s Park. This is a royal park located in northern part of central London. It is partly situated at the City of Westminster and London Borough of Camden.

The Regent’s Park is popular for its wide array of enticements. It offers various opportunities for visitors to enjoy. There are several cafes and restaurants within the park. It is also the home of the London Zoo, garden of St. John’s Lodge, Italian Garden and the Queen Mary’s Gardens. It is the perfect venue for various sports events due to its large grass area, the largest one in Central London.

A Brief History Of Regent’s Park

The area where the park lies is formerly called the Marylebone Park. This land was a Crown property but was leased to the Dukes of Portland and was used as a hunting ground. After the lease expired, the area was designed artistically by architect John Nash. The design was completed by young architects like Decimus Burton. In 1845, the park was opened to public, 2 days per week.

The other features of the park came later on like the Queen Mary’s Garden in 1930 and the new sports pavilion as latest as 2005. The Regent’s Park also became the home of the London Zoo.

Regent’s Park Zoo

The London Zoo can be visited at the Regent’s Park. It is situated at the north side of the park. The London Zoo boasts a collection of various kinds of exotic animals. Today it has on display approximately 650 different animal species. It is one of the most famous zoos in the world. It takes pride in being the first zoo to open a reptile house and public aquarium.

The Regent’s Park Zoo was opened to the public in 1847. To this day, tourists from all parts of the world enjoy visiting the Regent’s Park Zoo for the many surprises it holds. It is ideal for all tourists of various ages. There are countless attractions for all ages.

Getting to Regent’s Park from various hostels in London is easy as there are several modes of transportations operating here. Tourists staying in hostels in London can catch a bus or a train ride to Regent’s Park.

A visit to Regent’s Park and London Zoo is easy for tourists staying at Clink Hostel. This is a backpackers’ hostel in London catering for tourists. A historical place in itself, Clink Hostel is one of the most preferred Hostel in London. Clink Hostel is ideally situated close to London’s major attractions.

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India had become the centre of religious and spiritual tourism where four major world religions - Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism originated, while Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Zoroastrianism arrived in the first millennium and shaped the region’s variegated culture of India. That is the reason why India is called the homeland of rishis, munis, saints and faqirs.The territory of India represents a geographical amalgamation of various features with its mountain ranges, valleys, desert regions, tropical rain forests, fertile plains, dry plateaus, coastal areas etc.

India Travel is one of the popular tourist destinations in the world bounded by the Himalayan ranges in the north, and surrounded on three sides by water - the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean - with a long history and diverse culture. In 2004, foreign tourists visiting India spent US$ 15.4 billion - the ninth highest in the world! India is also ranked among the top 3 adventure tourism destinations!

India offers big regional variations in its climate from cool mountain pastures beside the glaciers, through windy plateau, to warm river valleys and burning deserts. Holidays in India has four major seasons to celebrate – Winter (January–February), Summer (March–May), Monsoon (June–September), and Post-Monsoon (October–December).India boasts a wide variety of flora and fauna which are diversified in nature and which depend upon the geography of the region.

There are around 500 varieties of mammals, 2000 species of birds and 30,000 types of insects and a wide variety of fish, amphibians and reptiles are found in the country. Indian flora varies from the Western Himalayan and Assamese, from the species of the Indus Plain to those of the Gangetic plain, from the Deccan and Malabari to the vegetation of the Andamans. The floral wealth ranges from the Alpine to the temperate thorn, from the coniferous to the evergreen, from scrubs to deciduous forests, from thick tropical jungles to cool temperate woods.India, a place of infinite variety, is fascinating with its ancient and complex culture, dazzling contrasts and breathtaking physical beauty. Among the most remarkable features of India is the arts and culture in particular.

The Indian culture has persisted through the ages precisely for the reasons of antiquity, unity, continuity and the universality of its nature. Thus, within the ambience of Indian culture one can identify ‘Indian Music’, ‘Indian Dance’, ‘Indian Cinema’, ‘Indian Literature’, Indian Cuisine’ ‘Indian Fairs and Festivals’ and so on.This is the only country in the world where you will find mountain summits, sun kissed beaches, gurgling rivers, river rafting, para-gliding, mountain biking, trekking, mountaineering, monuments dating back to ancient past, fascinating backwaters, a variety of flora and fauna and countless fairs and festivals are sure to make your visit a memorable one.

Travel from Amritsar in North India to Varkala in the South, from Bikaner in the West to Kolkata in the East, you will never cease to wonder at the unique and fascinating sights of tourist states of India. India Travel invites you to visit the captivating tourist cities of India. India Tour and Travel welcomes you to explore countless monuments in India that will take you to her ancient past. Some of the major world heritage sites are: Sanchi Stupa, Konark Sun Temple, Khajuraho Temples, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Kaziranga National Park, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Bharatpur bird Sanctuary, Churches of Goa, Fatehpur Sikri, Darjeeling Himalaya, Train Humayun Tomb, Nandadevi National Park, Qutub Minar.Hotels in India offer tourists a home away from home comfortable stay as they revel in their Indian Holidays. To cater the rising demands of tours in India, a number of accommodation options are available like Deluxe Hotels, Luxury Hotels, Business Hotels, Budget Hotels and Cheap Hotels that offer accommodations for all classes to suit their pockets.For more detail Click on Visit India.

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Traveling on a private jet means you save time and energy. Its hassle-free and a much more productive and stress-free way to fly. It puts you in control. Private jet charter services have made it very easy for people to organize instant business trips. Especially for business tycoons, jet charter travel is of great importance. There are several advantages of hiring a private jet:

Scheduling

You are the boss here. Your aircraft would leave when you decide. The main advantage of hiring private air charter is the freedom of scheduling. You can plan out the entire schedule according to your business needs and fly at any time you want. You can also alter the schedule if required.

Time-Saver

For business community time is money. Wastage of precious time means loss of millions. Normally, traveling by a commercial airline lead to a great wastage of time due to delayed or cancelled flights. On the other hand with private jet charter services you save time reserving tickets, registering, making queues for security, getting the luggage etc. In short, you avoid delays and save a lot of precious time.

Size

Here you are the king. You choose the private air charter service which suits your needs. You can choose from a variety of aircrafts like light jets, midsize jets, super mids, jumbo jets or even helicopters according to your requirements, i.e. seating capacity, speed of travel, etc. Now that’s the luxury you will never get when traveling on commercial flight.

Additional Facilities

A private air charter service also ensures that you get excellent gourmet meals, ground transportation facilities and return services to make your trip convenient and memorable. You dictate the needs here. You can also demand specific items to be served on board like vegetarian meals or a certain drink.

Added Security

The most important benefit of private jet charter services is that you get a high level security. It’s hassle-free. You don’t need to stand in a queue to get through the security area. No need to worry about luggage loss. You get high level of comfort, privacy and security.

Choose your Airport

With private jets you get the facility of choosing the airport you want to land in. You can decide to land in a less crowed airport, where you can save your precious time in car and ground transportation.

A private jet charter service ensures that its customer service personnel are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to meet client’s demands. It provides corporate, executive and independent travelers with top level security, comfort, privacy and flexibility; which is not available in any other mode of transportation.

Probably that’s why more and more corporate houses are now beginning to prefer private jets charter services to regular commercial flights to ensure their people reach the right place at the right time with minimal hassles and fatigue.

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We advise you to start the second day of your visit to St.-Petersburg with an excursion to Zaiachiy (Hare’s) Island, Gorkovskaya metro station. That is where the city was founded. One attraction to be visited here is the Peter and Paul Fortress, with several buildings located within its walls. At 12.00 the air is filled with the bellow of a cannon – this is one of the oldest city traditions. Thanks to it during the times of Russian tsars people could learn that it was noon. If you are interested in Russian history, you are also advised to visit the Peter and Paul Cathedral where all the Russian emperors from Peter I to Nicholas II are buried. Also see the monument to Peter I and enjoy the sight of Nevsky panorama.

Then you can go down the Kronverkskaya Embankment to reach the Museum of Navy. Some way farther there is a granite stella which indicates the place where participants of the Decembrist revolt were executed (1826). The embankment leads back to the Alexandrovsky Park, with lots of restaurants and cafes located in it, which is very convenient in case you are tired and want to have a snack.

The next step would be to go in the direction of the Troitsky Bridge (you will see a mosque from the distance). Turn to Petrovskaya Embankment and you will reach another attraction – a modest house built specially for Peter the Great (The Cabin of Peter the Great), the very first house in St.-Petersburg. The famous cruiser Aurora, the symbol of the October Revolution, is a bit farther. The cruiser Aurora museum works 10.30 - 16.00 (closed Monday and Friday).

The Cabin of Peter the Great works:
Wednesday – Sunday: 10.00 — 18.00
Monday: 10.00 — 17.00
Tuesday: closed

On Day 3 visit the city’s central street – Nevsky prospect, and the Russian Museum. A walk around the prospect from the Admiralty to Fontanka river will take no more than half an hour. However, if on your way to the river you will visit all the nearby attractions, the whole day will be spent on it. We won’t describe these landmarks: each of them deserves a separate article. The list of attractions includes: The Church of the Savior on Blood, Kazan Cathedral, the Book House (excellent for tour guides and maps), Gostiny Dvor shopping mall, Anichkov Bridge and many others.

Those who need a guided tour can join one of those at the cabin next to Gostiny Dvor.

When tired, you can seat at one of the benches on the small Ostrovsky Square, observe the monument to Catherine the Great and feed the pigeons. The architectural dominant of the square is Alexandrinsky Theatre.

Nevsky prospect is also the place where one can easily find a spot to dine at – there are a great amount of cafes and restaurants here.

The State Russian Museum is another educational spot not to be missed. Its situated not far from the Church of the Savior on Blood and there is a monument to famous Russian poet – Pushkin, standing in front of it. To be continued…

Hotels in St.-Petersburg - Reservation of St.-Petersburg hotels.

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Edinburgh is a very unique city among Scotland’s picturesque cities. Its proximity to England and its multi cultural and traditional population set it apart from other tourist destinations in Europe. There are a number of popular dance clubs in the 15th-century buildings! And to top it all for any tourist, there are fire breathers outside Georgian mansions that offer the perfect blend of the ancient and modern.

Edinburgh’s world renowned architecture ranges from ancient and medieval churches to monumental Victorian masterpieces. The castle on a precipitous crag in the heart of the city is a true masterpiece. While in Edinburgh, you can pick any street to stroll and there is never a dull moment with the vistas of looming battlements, cold volcanic peaks and hills that are steeped in history and a glorious past.

The climate in Edinburgh is best from May to September. However, Einburgh is known all over the world for its funny weather that is a blend of both, sun and rain. In summer, daylight hours are long and the evenings seem endless, but in winter, it is cold in Edinburgh and the daylight hours are short.

If you are planning a holiday to Edinburgh, you are in for a relaxing and rejuvenating trip. Edinburgh showcases beautiful houses in picturesque neighborhoods covered with abundant trees in the beautiful vicinity of the rivers and parks. When you visit Edinburgh, don’t forget to indulge in a luxurious limousine ride. These luxurious mini homes enable you to listen to music and relax in the scenic beauty of this exotic place. You can even use carnival vans and plan a weekend getaway with friends and family, while in Edinburgh.

Every other day you will notice tourists entering the city and commuting via the local means of transport. This not only makes the travel luxurious and comfortable, but also makes the vacation memorable. If you are interested in touring the city all by yourself, you can rent a car. There are comfortable, sleek pick ups available. Edinburgh has various clubs and leagues, where you can just walk in and get acquainted with people. The exotic looking lounges are just the place to unwind. The lounges offer complete privacy in a low-lit ambience with live music for company. The local restaurants and bars and lounges are the best places to unwind and soak in the music and exotic drinks.

Edinburgh is synonymous with the presence of world class hotels and other economic accommodations. The hotels in Edinburgh are known for the best services within the hospitality industry and the amenities offered by all of them are the best your money can buy. The travel desks at the various hotels in Edinburgh offer services to ensure that you receive real value for the money spent on your holiday to Edinburgh. The star rated and economic hotels in Edinburgh are all popular within the travel guides and amongst travel agents for the warmth and hospitality extended by the staff to guests.

The accommodations available at the various hotels in Edinburgh include single rooms, double rooms and suites, to ensure you have a holiday to remember. The hotels in Edinburgh offer facilities like in house restaurants that cater to oriental and occidental taste and serve local delicacies fresh from the kitchen. There are business rooms for the business traveler and these conference rooms are complete with internet connectivity and audio visual equipment and seating arrangements.

The hotels in Edinburgh flaunt rooms complete with multi channel TV sets, mini bars, marble bathrooms, warm ambience, private balconies and terraces - as per the reservation, internet connectivity, room service and masseur on call and also a doctor in-house. The hotels in Edinburgh are equipped to make your dream holiday to the beautiful Edinburgh a trip to remember and cherish.

In-House facilities:

The room facilities offered at the hotels all over Edinburgh include: Air Conditioning, Refrigerator, Satellite TV, IDD, Phone, Hot Shower, Mini Bar, Hair Dryer, Swimming Pool, 24 hour Reception, Laundry Service, Post Service, Guest Internet, Travel, Desk Massage, Flight reconfirmation, Sight Seeing, Trips, Tours And Pick up and Drop from the International Airport.

There are a number of online travel agents who can offer you a memorable holiday to Edinburgh well within the budget you specify. They work according to the specifications set by you and ensure real value for the money spent on a holiday in Edinburgh.

Fun and history await you in Edinburgh. To reserve a hotel online, please visit Edinburgh Hotels, an online booking facility with information about all hotels in Edinburgh.

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Everybody’s busy nowadays since the Christmas Season is fast approaching and many are now planning where to spend a well deserved holiday vacation with their families and loved ones. To help you out, some of our DWVC members have contributed their most exciting Christmas vacation experiences and here are the TOP 10 vacation spots that they have recommended that our clients can choose from:

I.             BAHAMAS – By Keith Martin

As a member of Designer Way Vacation Club (DWVC), you can have an unforgettable Christmas by booking a week’s holiday starting Monday 24^th of December in Nassau either online at www.dwvc.com or by phoning your account manager at Timelinx’s reservation office. Even in December you can expect temperatures from 26°C during the day to 18°C at night and under 2” of rain throughout the whole month.

For absolute luxury the Hilton British Colonial Hotel is hard to beat. DWVC can offer a week’s bed and breakfast for two adults and two children in a Colonial room for £847. Booking through an online agent (www.southtravel.com), you would be paying £1,571 for the same room and dates but excludes breakfast. DWVC is £724 or more than 45% cheaper.

The hotel may look familiar to any James Bond fans reading this, as it appeared in both “Thunderball” and “Never say never again”.

It is ideally located on a beautiful private beach and is situated within 5 minutes walk of Nassau’s shopping and financial centre.

The hotel offers an array of recreational facilities, including a private beach, freshwater swimming pool overlooking the ocean, full fitness centre, lush tropical gardens, non-motorized water sports, snorkelling and scuba facilities and shops. Golf is also available nearby.

The hotel also offers various bars which include, the Blue Note Club which offers a unique flavour of Jazz and other contemporary music, The Palm Court Lounge is the perfect spot within the hotel to enjoy our their famous “Time 4 Tea” in a relaxed atmosphere, Portofino is a casual restaurant located on the first floor, serves Italian favourites with a Caribbean flare, The Patio Grill And Pool Bar, whether you’re sampling one of the many tropical mixtures, or diving into a tantalizing sandwich, there couldn’t be a better place to be.

The rooms are decorated in tasteful Caribbean style furnishings and feature an en-suite bathroom, mini bar, oversized desk and safe.

Due to its close proximity to Florida, if you have a young family, you could combine your visit to the Bahamas with a trip to Orlando to partake in the Christmas build up at Disney and the likes. After a week or two in Orlando, most people would need a week to unwind. Again you can get net cost accommodation with DWVC and have your account manager at Timelinx book/tie in all your flights and activities.

From Nassau, cross the bridge to Paradise Island where beaches are first- class and the resort selection is excellent — from upscale chic on stately estate grounds, to a yoga retreat, condo facilities (great for family vacations), and large luxury properties (one with a glass tunnel for viewing marine life and a low-key water park). Activity abounds at every turn. Paradise Island has an excellent golf course and its own small airport.

Grand Bahamas, with resort development at both Freeport and Lucaya, has the same features on a smaller scale. Golf, tennis, water sports and duty-free shopping are popular and plentiful. And the island moves at a leisurely pace.

II.         KOS ISLAND - Sandra Patterson

Kos sits bang in the middle of the Dodecanese chain of Greek islands that hug the Turkish coast. Kos Island is about 45km long while its width varies from 2km to 11km.

This is a hugely popular resort with the British and it is a Greek island that has gone for mass market tourism is a very big way. Kos has its own airport and ferry connections.

Kos is a popular island with all nationalities, with some beautiful sandy beaches and good tavernas it’s well worth a visit.

The coast of Kos is swept by magnificent sandy beaches and the island has some of the most interesting archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.

The combination of sand and sightseeing give Kos a uniquely broad appeal, though most visitors will probably prefer island beaches to Greek history and, for an all in beach holiday, Kos must be considered one of the best of the Greek islands.

There are many empty coastal areas to be enjoyed by those who prefer to get away from the holiday crowds. Members of DWVC (Designer Way Vacation Club) have access to net cost accommodation at numerous resorts in Kos. One such resort is the Alexandra Hotel, a weeks bed and breakfast for two in Nov would cost just £311 to members. To put that price into perspective it would cost a non member £599.90 booking through an online operator. DWVC is £288.90 or around 48% cheaper.

The hotel is an upgraded A class town hotel with high standards. The interior has recently been enlarged and redecorated in order to offer luxury and comfort to the guests. It has a conference room with 140 person capacity, pool, three modern lifts, comfortable and luxurious bar and a reception.

The Hotel Alexandra has 62 guest rooms. All rooms are equipped with a balcony, air conditioning, mini bar, coffee machine, satellite TV, safety deposit box, music, telephone and internet, WC and a hair dryer.

Breakfast is served in a buffet style. The hotel’s bar is the perfect venue to enjoy a cocktail and unwind or the place to meet for a pre-dinner drink. The hotel features a fully equipped fitness centre with the best gym equipment which is complemented by a separate sauna and Jacuzzi.

III. GOLF DEL SUR - Keith Martin

Ever since it’s 1987 inaugural event, a competition for professionals, the 27 greens and fairways of Golf del Sur have provided the backdrop for various international tournaments. In 1989 they bore witness to Jose Maria Olazabal´s victory in the Open de Tenerife, a feat he repeated in 1992. The following year they watched as David Gilford won the event, as did Mark James in 1994. In 1995, Golf del Sur hosted the Shell Wonderful World of Golf tournament and its head to head battle between Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson.

Golf del Sur has also been the setting for two golf driving distance records, both of which were set by Britain’s Karl Woodward. First he set a new record of 398 yards and then, a few months later, he managed to break the legendary 400-yard barrier with a huge stroke, which sent the ball flying 408 yards.

This Tenerife golf course, designed by Pepe Gancedo, is a thoroughly enjoyable layout in which one’s attention is immediately caught by the black volcanic sand in the bunkers. The wide fairways are lined with such a wide variety of indigenous plants that, with it’s palm trees and giant cactus plants, this 800 square meter course beside the Atlantic Ocean is like a veritable oasis.

Particularly difficult is the 3rd hole of the course. To the right of the wide fairway is a water hazard, behind which lies an impressive ravine with an ochre-coloured rock face, while to the left is a gaping bunker of black sand. 

You can dine in the Buffet El Patio which provides a selection of meals, all served buffet style. There is also a snack bar on site, La Corbeta and a number of other bars and restaurants including Legends Bar, The Sundowner Pub and the Caddyshack. You have a choice of three swimming pools, a main pool, a smaller pool (which is heated in winter) and a children’s pool. There is also a large sunbathing deck equipped with free sunbeds for you to relax. For the more energetic there is a tennis court or table tennis.

The apartments are good sized and bright, tastefully furnished and comfortable. They have a kitchenette which comprises of hob, fridge/ freezer, cooking utensils, bathroom with bath and shower. A TV and safety deposit box can be hired at an additional cost, also cots or highchairs can be hired. All apartments have a large private balcony or terrace.

This charming resort is situated on the southern coastline and is not only a golfers paradise but is also ideal for family holidays and couples looking for a relaxing break. You can spend your days relaxing and soaking up the sun on the new pebble beach and when the sun gets too hot you can cool down with a drink from the beach bar.

There is an excellent selection of restaurants and bars here but if you are looking for something a little more lively then Playa De La Americas and Los Cristianos are a short distance away where you will find a vibrant atmosphere with everything you need for your entertainment.

IV. ALGARVE, SOUTHERN PORTUGAL – Keith Martin

The Algarve, in Southern Portugal, with its year-round sunshine, miles of golden sand beaches, and picturesque villages, has become one of Europe’s most popular golfing destinations. But while there are many courses suiting all abilities, the Algarve is also perfect for non golfers, especially the eastern region around Tavira, with its stunning nature walks. At the other end of the scale, resorts such as Vilamoura and Vale do Lobo are mega destinations with all the golfing and sporting options you could want. Then, in Western Algarve, around the bustling holiday destination of Albufeira, you can holiday 24/7, combining championship golf with a hectic nightlife.

Golf holidaymakers should check out the renowned Pinta, one of the best courses in the Algarve, designed to retain natural valleys and undulations.

Vale do Lobo, Portugal’s biggest luxury golf and beach resort, around 20 minutes from the airport at Faro, is one of Europe’s finest. Its two golf courses, the Royal and Ocean, provide stunning views of the coast, and its 5 km-long sandy beach, with dramatic red sandstone cliffs, provides non-golfers with seriously good beach and swimming options. The resort also offers tennis courts, a gymnasium and health and beauty centre, as well as restaurants and shops.

Members of DWVC (Designer Way Vacation Club) can get a weeks accommodation at Barringtons Golf and Health Spa for two from now until 31^st of March 2008 for just £105.

Barringtons Golf and Health Spa is centrally located within the Vale do Lobo 1,000 acre estate, Barringtons provides the complete holiday experience. The hotel is only a short walk from the pristine golden beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and some of the best golf courses in Europe.

The hotel offers fabulous year round facilities set amidst pine trees and beautifully landscaped sub tropical gardens. Whether you want a short golfing break or a two-week holiday in the sunshine, Barringtons can tailor make your holiday to suit you, giving you a complete flexibility. When the sun goes you can relax in the Beat Bar. The Eagles Café Bar at the Barringtons Golf Academy is open for breakfast, lunch and snacks.

The accommodation combines both style and comfort. The superb décor and thoughtful design create a peaceful ambience in which guests can truly unwind. The rooms are furnished to the highest standards with its own private terrace. The bathrooms feature large showers and double sinks. Other amenities include a telephone, air conditioning, satellite TV and a private sun terrace. Plus when guests stay in the hotel’s accommodation, guests have club membership which includes use of all the clubs facilities.

Unwind in the lap of luxury in the tranquil spa area featuring indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and solarium. The Barringtons Golf Academy is a great place to fine tune and to improve all aspects of your game. The covered floodlit driving range has target greens and bunkers, which add realism to practice sessions. The highly equipped gym features the latest Matrix cardio-vascular and weights equipment to cater for all training needs. The hotel also offers add-on courses such as pilates, yoga, ballroom dancing and kick boxing.

Members of DWVC also receive a 50% discount at the Royal Vale Do Lobo golf course and a 50% discount on tennis sessions.

V. BINTAN HOTEL, INDONESIA – Allan Bond

To put all this to the test I choose one of the further flung resorts they have available and searched online to try to find like for like accommodation at a lower cost.

The resort I choose was the Bintan Lagoon Resort in Indonesia. It is a four star hotel on the north western shores of Bintan island.

Quality wise the resort is very nice, set in landscaped gardens and close to the beach, it offers golf courses, leisure centre, numerous bars, cafes and restaurants.

The rooms are tastefully decorated and equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, mini-bar/fridge, safe and phone. 

The cost for a weeks bed and breakfast in March for two as a member of DWVC is £441 all in.

Conducting an extensive search online, the lowest cost I could find offering the same accommodation and dates was £574 through either asia-hotels.com or hotelclub.net. DWVC is £133 or around 23% cheaper.

The savings are there as claimed and regardless of where and how often you go on holiday, everyone likes to save money. For more information on the company you can look on their website: http://www.dwvc.com.

About DWVC (Designer’s Way Vacation Club)

A revolutionary new idea launched in 2000 as Dream Works Vacation Club, later becoming Designer Way Vacation Club when it was discovered that a very large film making company existed in the USA with a similar name; Designer Way Vacation Club is an exclusive holiday and consumer discount members club that has been growing rapidly throughout the early part of the new millennium. In that time it has established a very enviable reputation for both outstanding performance and trustworthiness.

Website: http://www.dwvc.com

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Located in the South West of Ireland County Cork is the largest county in Ireland covering almost one sixteenth of the country. County Cork is located in Munster, one of the four provinces of Ireland and is known as Corcaigh in Gaelic. County Cork is home to such famous towns as Kinsale, Blarney, Cobh, Midelton and of course Cork City itself. The county is divided geographically into West and East Cork with West Cork in particular famed the world over for its’ spectacular scenery. Cork is known as a real gem by the hundreds of thousands of domestic and International visitors that holiday here each year. Hotels in Cork especially have built up a fine reputation for their ambience, warm friendly staff and excellent cuisine.

The local Cork people, known as Corkonians are proud of their heritage and have a passion for all things sports related especially Rugby, Gaelic football and hurling. Hurling is the fastest field game in the world and a live game is a memory any visitor will never forget. The county also boasts some of the finest golf courses in Ireland with Fota Island in particular having established an International reputation. However Cork has much more to offer visitors than just scenery and golf.

Some of our top recommendations when visiting County Cork include:
• Enjoy a relaxing day out with al the family at Fota Wildlife Park located on Fota Island. This is a great day out and the admission price is good value. Located approx. 10 miles from Cork City close to Midelton in East Cork, Fota Wildlife Park allows animals of all kinds roam free in their natural surrounds.

• Visit the town of Blarney, kiss the famous Blarney Stone and get some genuine Irish gifts at the world famous Blarney Woolen Mills

• Take a day trip to one of Europe’s foremost culinary towns, Kinsale and sample the delights of locally caught fresh seafood washed down with a pint of Murphys, Cork’s answer to Guinness.

• Relive some poignant history at the Titanic Museum exhibit in Cobh, last port of call for the ill fated Titanic. Located about 10 miles from Cork City.

• Explore the many and varied pubs in Cork City. Perhaps be lucky enough to be part of a real live traditional Irish music session that will be sure to make your holiday experience one you won’t forget!

• Unwind as you walk on any one of County Cork’s beautiful beaches and be at one with nature.

• Take a day trip to the famous Waterford Crystal factory in neighboring County Waterford and see first hand how the famous crystal is made.

• For the more adventurous why not try a bit of deep sea angling or even paint balling?

• Browse the many and varied side streets, galleries, shops and restaurants that Cork offers enjoying the local banter and “craic” Cork is famous for.

• Stay at any one of the fine Cork Hotels which can all be booked below.

For more info please visit http://www.cork.globalhotels-24-7.com

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No visit to Ireland is really complete without a visit to the “Rebel County” of Cork as it is known locally. Located in the province of Munster in South East Ireland, County Cork offers something to suit all tastes, ages and budgets. Location for the recently acclaimed movie “The Wind That Shakes The Barley” County Cork is steeped in a rich and varied history with locals having a deep sense of pride in their heritage and history. Famed the world over for The Cork Guinness Jazz Festival, some of the finest golf courses in Ireland, its’ spectacular scenery, miles of safe sandy beaches and excellent cuisine County Cork offers visitors much more than many other traditional tourism hotspots.

County Cork is the largest of the 32 Irish counties and is home to Cork City, Kinsale, Youghal, Midleton, Cobh, Skibeereen, Glengarriff, Schull, Bandon and Bantry to name but some of its better known towns. Each of these locations provide visitors with a wide array of attractions and activities to enjoy. Below are some useful tips when visiting Cork for the first time.

How to get to Cork

Ryanair.com offer daily flights to Cork Airport from Dublin that are reasonably priced, however hiring a car is a better alternative especially if you want to explore your surrounds. Flights direct to Cork also operate from a number of mainland European and UK locations mainly with Ryanair, Aer Lingus, Aer Arann and BMI Baby. Car rental is available in any major location or airport including Cork Airport. A number of daily commuter trains operate between Dublin and Cork also departing from Houston Station in Dublin. This option is quite pricy however.

Where to stay in Cork

Cork hotels are always a safe and reliable option but advance booking is always advisable especially during busy periods. The links below provide a comprehensive listing of all hotels in Cork. Staying self catering is also a popular choice especially among families. Self catering allows greater flexibility but normally operates weekly-Saturday-Saturday. Numerous Bed and Breakfasts, Farmhouses, Hostels and Guesthouses are also available depending on your requirements.

What to do in Cork

This really depends on your own personal interests and where you decide to base yourself. However a visit to Fota Wildlife Park in East Cork, near Midleton is an excellent day out. Why not try taking in a game of golf or visiting the famous Blarney Stone and Woolen mills? Perhaps a spot of shopping in Cork City’s main thoroughfare-St Patricks Street, followed by a relaxing drink or bite to eat in the many and varied pubs and restaurants that dot the city backstreets is what tickles your fancy? For the more adventurous why not try a spot of deep sea fishing, paragliding or paintballing? Ever wanted to taste crocodile or shark? If this is what whets your appetite then make sure to visit Kinsale, widely recognized as one of Europe’s leading culinary towns. Perhaps a spot of traditional Irish music a pint of Murphy’s Stout, fresh oysters or a visit to The Jameson Irish Whiskey Distillery appeals? Explore neighboring counties Kerry and Waterford, visit The Titanic Museum in Cobh, leave your footprints but not your memories on one of the numerous sandy beaches in Cork. Cork offers all this and so much more…

For more info please visit http://www.cork.globalhotels-24-7.com/

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St.-Petersburg – the symbol of European Russia, by right thought to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Unlike the other Russian cities, with their common monosyllabic names, the name “Sankt Piterburh” (how it sounds in Russian) consists of two words, each with its own meaning. Sankt is the Latin for “Saint”, “Peter” is the name of the apostle Saint Peter (which is, by the way, translated from Greek as “the stone”), and “burgh” is the Dutch for “city”. This way, the name of the former Russian capital unites the name of its tsar, its saint patron and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome, Germany and Holland.

The city stands on the Neva River, at the spot where it flows into the Gulf of Finland. The climate is therefore damp – the winter is mild and the summer is rather cool. The city’s northern location is also the reason for such a unique phenomenon as “the white nights”, which can be observed May 25th – July 17th.

St.-Petersburg is one of the largest cities in the world, with a population of more than 5000 inhabitants. It is also a large industrial, cultural and scientific centre, an important traffic centre, sea- and airport. It is no wonder that one will find lots of universities, theatres, museums, offices and factories here.

The former capital of Russia (it played this part in 1712-28 and 1732-1918), it faced many important political happenings like the February Revolution and the October Revolution. During the Great Patriotic War the city faced a 900-day siege and, thanks to its heroic resistance to the enemy, was officially awarded with the title of the Hero City.

The city boasts of a great amount of architectural ensembles and is therefore a true magnet for tourists. The Peter and Paul Fortress, Alexander Nevsky Monastery, Smolny Cathedral, Palace Square and the Winter Palace, the Alexander Column, The Bronze Horseman, St Isaac’s Cathedral, Kazan Cathedral, The Mariinsky Palace, The Church of Savior on Spilled Blood, the Field of Mars, The Summer Garden and Summer Palace of Peter the Great… the list of St.
-Petersburg attractions could be continued. In 1960 there was a Piskariovskoye Memorial Cemetery sobering monument built in the city. The suburban attractions are the fountains of Peterhof, parks and palaces of Pushkin, Pavlovsk, Gatchina ect.

Whenever you come to St.-Petersburg, you will definitely enjoy it! The city will enchant you with its northern beauty and traditional hospitality. Summer Petersburg is renowned for its white nights, when the sun goes down for just a couple of hours and the rest of night is as bright as a daytime. What a great chance to extend your walks around the city streets! It is in summer that guests like to watch bridges draw.

St.-Petersburg is a fabulous view in autumn! Yellow, red and dark-green leaves make this city not only a photography model, but also a magnet for romantic personalities. Autumn is the best time to visit the city suburbs. Their parks and palaces look exceptionally elegant and beautiful during the period.

Winter is good for a calm visit to the city palaces, museums and theatres. The weather is chilly and often slushy, but the number of tourists is smaller, so you are more likely to find a proper hotel room. By the way, the choice of hotels is extensive. Calm halls of local museums will tell you the story of the city, its shows will impress you with a diversity of Russian traditions, Russian character and soul. Hiding from winter in cosy cafes and restaurants is a real pleasure.

Having arrived to St.-Petersburg in spring, you will feel all the pleasures of nature awakening, everything breathes with freshness while the ice on the Neva river melts.

Go to St.-Petersburg and enjoy its beauty!

Hotels in St.-Petersburg - Reservation of St.-Petersburg hotels.

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