Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
AZERBAIJAN - Land of Fire and Design
Neither Europe nor Asia, Azerbaijan is an incredible tangle of contradictions and contrasts.
Refusing someone offering you tea is a strong indicator you don’t like that person. When receiving a gift, you’re supposed to refuse a few times before actually taking it. If you’re offering a present, insist by all means. Remove your shoes upon entering and don’t display the soles of your feet. Don’t even think about crossing your legs! Avoid chewing gum, pointing fingers and randomly touching people. They don’t appreciate it. Also, never, ever, mention Armenians. You can’t possibly imagine the reactions you’ll get.
It’s a fascinating nexus of ancient historical empires. Yet it’s also a new nation finding its feet as it emerges from a war-torn post-Soviet chrysalis on a petroleum-funded gust of optimism. Surrounded by semi-desert on the oil-rich Caspian Sea, the nation’s cosmopolitan capital Baku is a dynamic boomtown, where flashy limousines and mushrooming skyscrapers sweep around a picturesque Unesco-listed ancient core. Yet barely three hours’ drive away lies an entirely different world:
Timeless villages clad in lush orchards from which shepherd tracks lead into the soaring high Caucasus mountains. Where Baku is multilingual and go-ahead, the provinces shuffle to the gently paced click of nard (backgammon) on tree-shaded teahouse terraces: women stay home, herds of cattle wander aimlessly across highways, and potbellied bureaucrats scratch their heads in confusion on finding that an outsider has wandered into their territory.
Silavadee Pool Spa Resort, Thailand
For those who are looking for a truly pristine spot where they can spend a luxurious vacation in perfect silence and serenity, we recommend the Silavadee Pool Spa Resort, with access to the most private beach on Koh Samui, a lovely island in Thailand.
Offering a high level of privacy and uncommon seclusion, the resort is set on a rocky hill with stunning views over the Gulf of Siam. Its name is Thai for “beautiful rock” (which obviously sounds much better in its original version), and reflects the unique beauty of the area. Naturally decorated with rocks and boulders, the property is a true pleasure to look at.
Silavadee features 36 beautiful rooms and 19 villas, the latter boasting private pools and gorgeous views. The powdery sand of the beach invites guests to enjoy the sun and the silence of the surroundings. No disturbing sound can spoil the peaceful atmosphere. Here one can only hear the tranquil music of the waves, the gentle breeze caressing the trees, and sometimes the delicate chatter of the diners up the hill.
Dining at Silavadee is also a memorable experience. The Height restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, including Thai specials and Italian classics. Everything on the menu is meant to satisfy even the most squeamish of guests.
More info & Online booking
Pimalai Resort and Spa, Koh Lanta, Thailand
Peace, Serenity, Solitude. These are the words that come to mind for Pimalai.
Peace, Serenity, Solitude. These are the words that come to mind for Pimalai. Add to that luxury, elegance, natural surroundings and genuine friendly service. Be it for a honeymoon, a wedding ceremony, a diving experience, a break from it all or even for a business meeting in Krabi or in Thailand then Pimalai, nestled in a lush tropical forest, is the Andaman luxury destination to set your sights on. This exclusive beach resort combines all the right ingredients – subtle five star comforts, natural beauty, environmental friendliness and lots of space. Located well distant from crowded beaches and other boutique resorts on Koh Lanta (or Ko Lanta) and close to Lanta Marine National Park, the only sound is that of the waves sliding in and out and slowly breaking onto the sandy beach.
Built within the rainforest as it meets the silver ocean strand, you would hardly know Pimalai was there. This boutique beach resort occupies 100 acres of tropical vegetation with direct access to a 900 meters stretch of pristine sandy beach and offers 121 accommodation units – Deluxe, Bayfront Deluxe, Pavillion Suite, Beach Villa and Pool Villa – all very elegantly appointed.
From Krabi mainland, it takes about 1 hour by the resort boat to reach Koh Lanta and Pimalai but it is worth bearing this “hardship” in order to find such a unique lost boutique paradise in tourist Thailand…
More info & Online booking
