Travel Guest Post: Top 3 Luxury Hotels in the South of France

France is known in the world as being famous for its well-known tourism spots. Lots of visitors visit every year and enjoy the sights and culture Parisian life has to offer. No holiday in the southern region of France would be finished without detecting the suitable luxury hotel that will have your senses know what it feels like to be treated like royalty. While there are almost as many luxury hotels available as there are celebrities in Hollywood, here are the three that top and best the list when it comes to premium accommodations, elegance and amenities.

 

1. B4 Nice Park, Nice:

For tranquility and beauty situated right within the noisy and vibrant town of Nice, which is the perfect park hotel. Whether you’re in the southern region of France for pleasure or for business, this hotel can give you everything you need in terms of accommodations. The hotel faces Angels Bay and gives amazing views.From the lobby to the ornate grounds, one will be overwhelmed by amazing ambiance and beauty. The white lobby adorned with red purple velvety and rich greens will have dropping in love before you’re even obtained your room key.

2. Moulin de Mougins, Mougins:

If history and an outstanding stories are what you’re looking for in your hotel, Moulin de Mougins has a story unlike any other. This place was actually once an ancient mill that has since been transformed.  Another reason that will make sure that never ignore your stay here is that different rooms have been included that have their own unique feel and look; from Zen to smart, every room has a very correct idea that affected its style. It is located to Royal Mougins Golf club and Cannes-Mougins Golf club and nearby are La Croisette and Palais Des Festivals. The features of Mougins property have a lounge/bar and a restaurant and guests are provided a complimentary breakfast everyday morning. Guest parking is free of charge. Additional services include concierge services, valet vehicle and safe deposit box at the topside table and it is a smoke-free property.

3. Sandton Hotel Domaine Cocagne, Cagnes sur Mer:

 For five strong hectares of relaxing haven covered in trees, woods, parks and more roses than you  could ever imagine, this hotel is located near Cagnes, a well-known ancient city, and less than 3 miles from magnificent seashores.  The Sandton Hotel is made up of 20 elegant rooms and 9 suites, and there is also a property that can give accommodation of up to 8 people. There are several lounges and terraces available to guests for ultimate relaxation.

Do you have any other luxury hotels in the South of France to add in the list. Please share your views in the comment.

Author: Julei Helen is keen on traveling and loves sharing her travel experiences with other travelers. She’s currently writing for www.norfolkline.com, a leading ferry operator website in the UK. She writes about travel destinations worth visiting, gives tips, travel advice and things to do and avoid to get the most out of your trip.

Travel Guest Post: 5 Reasons You Should Visit the USA

When we plan our vacation, want adventure and excitement. Travel is the best way to explore and discover new adventures. USA is one of the best places to travel to. It attracts visitors with its artistic nature and fabulous landmarks. There are many real treasures to be found when you visit USA. Below we consider some of the best reasons why you should visit USA.

Pleasing Nature

 Normally, it is difficult to enjoy the nature as these places are usually so remote and only the bravest adventurer can dare to explore that far. But, the Americans have made it easy to access these hidden places by building inroads to the wonders without destroying the natural environment. Redwood forest of California, Rocky Mountain Park with more than 60 mountains that are above 12,000 feet high and the glorious beaches of North Carolina are some of the stunning natural attractions of America.

History and Fine Art

 Washington, D.C is a place where you can find some of the world’s best art. The National gallery of art and sculpture garden is a national art museum which has a collection of old master paintings. The Museum of natural history is also in Washington, D.C. you can browse everything from fossils to gems.

 

Enchanting Music

 Music is the best tool to control our moods. American cities offer the opportunity to hear live music in beautiful environments. Many music festivals bring out the best music genres to the stage. The famous music festivals like Newport Jazz and New Orleans Jazz takes place in the month of August and April every year. Apart from these festivals many great concerts happen in small bars and restaurants. Nashville, Tennessee is the best stop for folk music lovers.

Sporting Events

 Sports are one activity on which Americans invest a lot. Every city in America is a place to sit and watch some of the best college and professional athletes play in a stadium that can hold up to 80,000 people. From American football to Basketball, from Soccer to Hockey, with some of the best leagues in the world American Sport definitely has something for everyone.

Gambling, Nightlife and Shopping

 Las Vegas is the best place to enjoy all these. The city houses more than 100 casino’s with many games. Night clubs light up the main strip, with music to suit every taste. Las Vegas is home to a number of shopping malls and they make a great place to spend all your casino wins.

With all this going on in America you better make sure you have booked your return tickets before you start your own Adventure! Get your ESTA US Visa and visit USA to enjoy the all the fantastic things this country has to offer.

Author:Written by Robert Hall a Tech writer with a travel obsession – catch me @travelplex

 

 

Travel Guest Post: Traveling to Phuket

For many people, flying off to an exotic beach in an exotic country is something they plan for months ahead of time. One place that is very popular with tourists is the beach destination that is Phuket as it has amazing beaches and even more amazing accommodations and things to do. If you are planning to go to this tourist destination and you want to save money, what you can do is to look for the best hotel deals in Phuket that are being offered in many travel agencies online.

You may also try to look for these deals from travel agencies in your area but if you look at their websites you will find they have more deals listed than the ones they have in their actual office. Did you know that if you are looking for the best hotel deals in Phuket, you can actually get great bargains if you book online? You may think this is too good to be true but if you book hotel rooms online, the deals to be had do not just concern discounts. You can also get freebies in terms of extra nights or some free spa treatments or perhaps even some complimentary upgrades from various hotels that offer Phuket accommodations. It will be better for you to take a look at these deals yourself so you can better gauge if you like the deal they are offering or not. You can get in touch with the hotel that offers Phuket tour packages or you can use a third-party booking company.

If you are going on vacation to Phuket, of course you want to enjoy and have fun and stay in a nice hotel or villa. But this does not mean you have to spend a lot of money just to stay in a nice place because all you have to do is look at a Phuket offer online and you are sure to save money on nice accommodations. Also, take your time and really look around for the best hotel deals in Phuket because you are sure to find one that can help you save money and does not remove anything from your vacation. You may even get free airport transfer offers if you try to book your Phuket hotel rooms or villas online. If you truly want a great time, try to look for Phuket deals, they will save you money on the best hotel rooms and villas in Phuket.

 

Spotlight: Volvo Ocean Race in Miami

This month, The highly acclaimed Volvo Ocean Race, known as the “World’s Toughest Ocean Race” and one of the top sporting events worldwide, stopped in Miami, Florida as the only stopover in North America for the prestigious around-the-world  yacht race, which is held only once every 3 years. Competitors typically leave in October from Europe and end the competition around 9 months later. 10 stopovers worldwide deliver a unique global reach in Asia, North & South America, Africa, Middle East & Europe and today it is, quite simply, the ‘Everest of Sailing’.

Official Timekeeper and sponsor of the 24-hour record competition is the highly acclaimed watch brand IWC Schaffhausen, which is also the Official Sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team, the first Arabian challenger in the 38-year history of the Volvo Ocean Race.

The teams in competition this year are Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, Camper with Emirates Team New Zealand, PUMA Ocean Racing Powered by BERG, Groupama Sailing Team, Team Telefonica and Team Sanya.

The current race started in October 2011 in Alicante, Spain and is en route to  the end point of Galaway, Ireland in early July.  This years route takes the team to over 39,000 nautical miles to  Cape Town, Abu Dhabi, Sanya, Auckland, around Cape Horn to Itajai, Miami, Lisbon, Lorient and finally Galaway.

The downtown Miami Race Village was open from May 6th-20th and hosted pavilions, shows, live music, food, appearances, sailing clinics, sculpture building workshops, parties and more. The Abu Dhabi Tourism Board had a UAE-themed Race Village pavilion, strikingly red with heritage celebrations to welcome fans. Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority leveraged the emirate’s ‘Travellers’ Welcome’ slogan in a specially designed transformer-like pavilion featuring photo opportunities with live Arabic falcons, calligraphy art that turned ordinary names into Arabic works of art and henna specialists that painted intricate designs on visitors’ hands. Host Ports are also home to the Volvo Ocean Race Experience, an interactive attraction designed to emulate the world of a Volvo Ocean Race sailor through its 3D cinema, simulator and winch grinding challenge. 

 
The Race Villages also provide the ideal place to watch the yachts race, with challenging In-Port Races that bring the excitement  and adrenaline of the seas to the spectators. An estimated four million people will visit the race villages at Volvo Ocean Race Host Ports this year– make sure you’re one of them.

The next stopover for the race is Lisbon, Portugal. The race village will be open from May 31st – June 10th. For more racing info, visit: VolvoOceanRace.com.

Want a chance to win an official Abu Dhabi  sailing shirt like the one pictured below worn by Abu Dhabi Captain Ian Walker? Leave a comment telling us what your favorite part of the Volvo Ocean Race is or your favorite team! GO!

***Dually published on JustLuxe.com***

Travel Guest Post: Afternoon Tea for Two in London

The tradition of afternoon tea is typically English, so where are the best places to go in the capital to experience this treat?

What is afternoon tea and why the appeal?

In times past, the people of England would typically have early lunches and late dinners or suppers, meaning that in the late afternoon, a light meal was required – hence the invention of the afternoon tea. In modern times, however, there is less of a need for this meal, maily due to the difference in working hours.

Yet, many of us now view an afternoon tea as a special treat – a time to get together with friends and family and enjoy some tasty titbits, and perhaps even a glass or two of bubbly rather than the traditional cup of tea! A friend of mine recently chose to kick off her hen do with a spot of afternoon tea and I have taken my mum out to a hotel for a lovely couple of hours of conversation, cakes and Champagne. Perhaps it is a longing for tradition that has caused many of us to re-embrace the humble afternoon tea? I would disagree with this sentiment and believe that it is the ‘naughtiness’ of eating and drinking in the afternoon, especially when many of the venues offering this service in London are beyond glamorous.

Like where?
Most major hotels in London now offer afternoon tea packages. However, you can still find more traditional tearooms such as the Tea and Tattle in the very centre of the capital. This quaint establishment offers pots of fine leaf teas (no alcohol!) served in delicate bone china cups and saucers. The homemade cakes and sandwiches are perfect for a pick me up during a busy day shopping or sightseeing.

If, however, you are looking for more decadent and opulent surroundings, then perhaps some of  London’s premier hotels and restaurants  will be more to your taste. Five of the best for afternoon tea and Champagne afternoon tea are without doubt The Savoy, Harrods, the Four Seasons, Claridge’s and The Ritz. Each offers their own take on the refined and stylish tradition with the only similarity being the sheer quality of the fare.

I treated my mum to her afternoon tea for her 60th birthday at The Ritz. From the moment we entered the hotel it felt as if we were royalty. The staff could not have been more attentive and the Palm Court (where our tea was served) blew us away with its grandeur. From the dainty finger sandwiches to the unctuous clotted cream served with our scones, the quality of the food was exceptional (and very moreish!). The Champagne also went down a treat!

One tip I must give when going for afternoon tea is to check the dress code of the venue – some hotels (especially the more high-brow establishments) are stricter than others and do not allow jeans of any description! Also, look out for special deals online and try and book as far ahead as possible to avoid disappointment as some hotels can be booked out for weeks in advance.

Author: Jamie Monteath

Beauty Guest Post: 5 Ways to Pamper Yourself Before a Holiday

If you’re planning on going somewhere exotic this summer why not give yourself a makeover before you leave. The last thing you want is to feel self-conscious on the beach, so put some time aside to make yourself feel glamorous. From booking a course of Botox, to hitting the gym there’s a whole range of ways you can revamp your appearance. You really don’t want to be deleting holiday snaps off Facebook, so start your pampering procedures early.

Here are 5 pre-vacation beauty tips:

1.       Hair removal

Ladies! Before jet-setting to the island of your dreams, it’s important to make sure you skin is hair-free and smooth. There really is no excuse for hairy legs on the beach, so make sure you take the time to wax, shave or pluck out the hairs. It’s up to you which method you choose; just make sure you are ready to pull on strappy top and a pair of shorts. Men, you can always wax your backs but make sure you do a test strip first so that you don’t come out in a rash.

2.       Exfoliation

Hot weather means fewer clothes, so it’s essential that your skin is in tip-top condition. The best way to achieve a healthy glow is to exfoliate, as this will improve your circulation and remove dead skin cells. All you need to do is buy some exfoliating shower gel or try a course of IPL Laser. This non-surgical treatment works to rejuvenate the top layer of your skin and can help with everything from acne scars to wrinkles.

3.       Fake tan

There really is nothing more embarrassing than being the pastiest person on the beach, so why not book a fake tan? Popping into a professional salon will reduce the risk of ugly brown streaks and you’ll look a million dollars in no time. Fly off to your luxury resort with some colour in your cheeks and feel confident by the poolside from day one.

4.       Get a hair cut

The hot weather can make your hair grow like wild-fire, so why not get a pre-holiday hair cut? A new hairdo will increase your confidence and you’ll look stunning in all the holiday photographs. The sun can dry out your locks, so take the opportunity to ask your hairdresser about decent conditioners. Stock up on necessary beauty products and be prepared for the hot weather.

5.       Exercise

If you’ve recently booked a winter break, you might want to consider exercising on a regular basis. While baggy jumpers hide a number of sins in the UK, you’ll not want to be wearing layers if it’s 40 degrees. Simply put aside a few hours a week to go to the gym and you’ll look and feel a lot better before you know it. If you’ve only got a few weeks before you fly you can’t expect a total body transformation but at least you would have made the effort.

Preparing for your holiday is part of the fun, so start making a list of the things you need to do and look fabulous for your vacation.

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Lifestyle Guest Post: 7 Holiday Foods & Drinks Which are Kind to Your Teeth


[A G & T is a surprisingly tooth-healthy drink when enjoying some rest and recreation on holiday. Photo by Beth MacKenzie]

Just because you let your hair down on holiday doesn’t mean that you have to let the state of your teeth go down too. And while you’d rather be reading the latest John Grisham on your sun lounge than flicking through a chart detailing the pH acidic level of your favourite holiday foods and drinks, it can pay to do a little healthy planning before your holiday begins.

The pH level is an indicator of how acidic a type of food or drink is. It is best to opt for food and drink which have high pH levels as these will have lower levels of acidity and should present less of a risk of causing tooth decay when you consume them. With this in mind, here are seven types of food and drink you should consider ordering while on holiday.

1. White Bread

According to the British Dental Health Foundation, white bread has a relatively low pH level of 5.0-6.0. High levels of salt can make it harmful for your heart but it should be kind to your teeth and it’s so tasty too!

2. Feta Cheese

When on holiday in Greece it is hard to avoid Feta Cheese and, thanks to its low pH level of 5.0 to 6.1, there is little reason to avoid this crumbly delight on dental grounds. This low acidity level makes it even healthier for teeth than cottage cheese (which has a still-relatively low-level of 4.1 to 5.4).

3. Brown Rice

White rice has it’s germ removed; meaning that brown rice (which retains the germ) goes rancid more quickly. However, brown rice is generally considered more natural and nutritious and its low pH level of 6.0 makes it a healthy chewy option to choose.

4. Gin and Tonic

While wine and cider are two examples of alcoholic drinks which are high in acid, there is one holiday bar beverage which you can order without compromising your dental health. Gin and Tonic has a pH level of just 6.9 (compared to lager’s 4.4). Since it has always been associated with warm countries (it was introduced by the army of the British East India Company in India) a G & T is the ideal holiday tipple.

5. Sparkling water

Drinking sparkling water, rather than gulping down sugary soft drinks, is a good way of ensuring that your teeth continue to sparkle. Sparkling water gets its sparkle from the process of ‘carbonation’ whereby carbon dioxide gas is dissolved into water. Research conducted in 2001 found that the addition of sugar to water, rather than carbonation, is the main cause of tooth decay among mineral waters and soft drinks. Sparkling water has a pH level of 6.2 but is it less acidic than still water? Read on to find out…

6. Still water

In answer to the question posed above, still water is less acidic than sparkling water but the difference is surprisingly tiny (7.6 compared to 7.4). All dentists agree that water and milk are the two drinks which are healthiest to teeth – as milk is hardly a holiday-style drink it is best to stick to the water!

7. Hot Dogs

Admittedly hot dogs are hardly a fashionable choice of meal if you’re on holiday in the Mediterranean but you can’t go wrong if you order them in America and their pH level is an impressive 6.2. Why they are less acidic than meals like fish and chips (4.6 – 6.7) and pasta (an alarmingly acidic 3.0) is a mystery to me. Perhaps someone could write another article explaining the science behind it!

Author: James Christie writes for London dental practice Ethicare. Ethicare provide teeth whitening treatment for patients looking for great looking holiday teeth.

 

Travel Guest Post: Holidays in Thailand

Thailand is an enchanted place where nature, history and legend come together in a magical land capable of arousing overwhelming emotions. A corner of paradise where the silence of the temples of ancient civilization and spirituality come together with the incomparable beauty of wild nature. A timeless journey to discover a land of a thousand wonders. Thailand is one of the most popular destinations in South-East Asia thanks to its breath-taking scenarios, the magnificent cultural and religious sites, the delicious food, natural beauty and warm hospitality of the Thais. To spend your holiday in Thailand is a fantastic experience that you should not miss. There are many options if you want to stay There.

The wide valley of the Chao Phraya River, in Central Thailand, extends the shade of the beautiful mountains of the Phetchabun, where is the capital of Thailand, Bangkok. It is a modern and very busy, shopping centre, spiritual and cultural centre of Thailand.

The city was never colonized, maintaining its distinctive culture, with 400 beautifully decorated Buddhist temples scattered throughout the city. The largest island of Thailand, Phuket is the pearl of the Andaman. The beaches of fine white sand, the immense tranquillity and the lush green tropical forests have made Phuket the most visited island in Thailand.

Ko Samui is one of the most beautiful islands in the Gulf of Siam, a true paradise. It is a resort that offers a taste of everything that you can enjoy in a trip to Thailand. There are incredible beaches of white sand, perfect for diving, fishing, water sports, golf and mountain biking and to see some of the most majestic sceneries in Thailand.
Staying in Ko Samui, Thailand allow you also to visit the nearby island of Koh Phangan, which hosts the famous full moon party. It is ideal to visit during the dry season, from June to September. A Koh Samui Villa is a perfect place to relax and visit some of the hundreds of islands scattered in the sea. Rent a beach villa in Thailand for your holidays and to feel just like at home.

Fashion Guest Post: Glam UK Trends

The Look of the Season:

Hybrid Dresses

Hybrid has fast become the one of the main brands of choice for those looking for a stylish designer dress. The label specialises in creating stunning pieces that are designed to complement the curves of any women.  The superb figure hugging material allows one to showcase their shape in a stylish and classy way. The Hybrid dress is a great alternative for those who want to look sophisticated without looking frumpy. The collection offers a variety of looks for you to choose from, with an array of colours and designs available. Hybrid dresses are fantastic because of their versatile and wearable nature. No matter what type of event or occasion you are attending, a dress from Hybrid is the perfect choice. Anyone can look elegant and stylish in one of these fantastic ensembles. The dresses are specially designed to accentuate your figure, so anyone of any shape can wear one of the pieces from the Hybrid label. Skin tone also comes in to play with Hybrid dresses, as they feature in a selection of colours to suit light, medium and dark complexions. Bustier, cap sleeved, one shoulder and envelope neck are all designs that can be found in the current collection of dresses from Hybrid. Coral, black, white, pink and purple are just a few of the colours that the label has to offer. For anyone who is looking for a brand new designer gown for a special occasion or a formal event, then Hybrid dresses is definitely the selection to choose from.

 Laurens Way

The Only Way Is Essex, since exploding on to our screens just a few years ago, has become an international phenomenon. The reality / drama series is a popular watch for many who tune in every week to see what the cast members have been up to. Their normal everyday antics include partying, shopping and gossiping and many of the characters are known for their love of hair extensions, designer clothing, flash motors and most importantly, fake tan. The Only Way Is Essex has propelled the false tan trend to new heights. As you will see when watching the show, no one is ever seen without a sun kissed glow. But one partaker of the TV series has used this to her advantage. Lauren Goodger has been apparent on the show since day one but is now venturing into new projects. The TV star has now brought out her very own line of false tan and applicator products. Laurens Way fake tan is the name of the range, which has become a hit with girls up and down the country. Females searching for that authentic bronzed look are all hailing the Laurens Way fake tan as their saviour when it comes to covering up that dull and pale skin. After years of patchy orange disasters, Lauren Goodger’s product range seems to have ended the search for that ultimate sun-kissed glow in a bottle. Plenty are using the tan and are raving about the fantastic results. Now you can recreate the look of those beautiful cast members from The Only Way Is Essex, just by using applying some of the Laurens Way fake tan.