Just off the northeast coast of Peninsular Malaysia lies the idyllic tropical island of Redang. The ultimate paradise, this unspoilt isle is blessed with palm tree lined white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. And since it’s part of a protected marine park, the area boasts spectacular snorkeling and scuba diving.

How to get there

The quickest and easiest way to get to Redang Island is to fly to its tiny airport (RDN) from either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Berjaya Air is the only airline operating seasonal direct flights (approximately one hour) from these two cities. Alternatively, some resorts provide complimentary ferry transfers included with their vacation packages from Merang and Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.

Where to stay

There are a dozen hotels on Redang, but the top property on the island is The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort. Located on the northern tip of Redang, this luxury resort is nestled on its own picturesque secluded bay, making it an ideal destination for discerning travelers wanting to get away from it all.

The resort is a quick five-minute drive from the airport and provides complimentary shuttle service. Upon arrival, check-in is a breeze as you’re greeted with delicious welcome drinks and refreshing cold towels.

There are a variety of lodging options available on this beautiful property including ocean front suites, hillside rooms with soaker tubs and lush rainforest views, and even an exclusive clifftop villa with stunning sea views complete with a personal butler at your beck and call.

Animal lovers can enjoy daily visits from monkeys on your room’s patio. Ensure you don’t leave any personal belongings outside because these little visitors have an affinity for tossing items off balconies trying to find any remnants of tasty room service orders.

Pro Tip: If you book online directly through the resort’s website, then you gain access to exclusive package deals that include accommodation and meals.

Where to eat

Dine on fresh seafood at the Beach Brasserie, sip cocktails on the sprawling chill out deck, explore the complex flavors of authentic Malaysian cuisine and taste an array of international dishes at Asean Terrace Lounge.

To celebrate a special occasion, you can book customized dining experiences. Ocean highlights include an intimate meal on a private yacht at sunset or lunch on a floating pontoon in the middle of the calm sea. Beach lovers can partake in a Robinson Crusoe ‘castaway’ for two, enjoy a traditional feast under the stars, or take pleasure in a bespoke candlelit dinner on the water’s edge.

Your holiday is not complete without drinking fresh coconuts on the beach with sand between your toes. These hydrating beverages are ordered from Bayu Bar for a few ringgits, but if you ask the groundskeepers, they’ll harvest some coconuts from the palm trees right on the beach and open them for you free of charge.

Additionally, there are a couple shops and small open air eateries located just before the entrance of the property. They offer quick meals, snacks and cold drinks for a fraction of the resort’s prices.

What to do

From relaxing and sunbathing to enjoying water and land sports, there is something for everyone on this ultimate tropical island. Spend a leisurely day on the beach swaying in a hammock and take respite from the equatorial sunshine by lounging on cushioned sunbeds in thatched cabanas. You’re guaranteed peace and quiet since the property is on a private cove (Teluk Dalam Kecil) and only resort guests have access to this beach.

Feel like getting active? This beach is excellent for swimming as the sheltered bay always has calm waters. Pick up a game of beach volleyball, play some tennis, or visit the fully equipped marine center to book diving excursions. Adventure seekers can trek into the jungle towards Teluk Dalam Besar beach, equally as pretty and often deserted.

Pro Tip: Rise before dawn and you’ll be mesmerized by the spectacular sunrises the island has to offer.

When to visit

Book your trip between March and October when Redang is blessed with sunshine and blue skies. It is advisable to avoid monsoon season during the months of November through February.

Redang Island is the perfect destination for a honeymoon vacation, romantic getaway or to celebrate a special anniversary. If you’re looking for a luxury holiday on an exclusive white sand beach with crystal clear water, then this is the ideal paradise for you.

Have you ever experienced unparalleled and encouraging expedition which even cut through the boundaries of the expected? If – “NO”- then this is the time to plunge into the colors of Indian luxury aboard India’s first heritage luxury tourist train, Palace on Wheels. The train was introduced in the year 1982 by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) along with Indian Railways to promote tourism in Rajasthan. Just after a few years of – its inception the luxurious Palace on Wheels got PATA Gold Award and also caught the attention of major world media organizations including MTV, BBC, MDR of Germany, National Geographic and several others.

Palace on Wheels Exterior

Unmatched hospitality and impeccable service makes the experience all the more rewarding. Journeys on the train are insight into India’s overwhelming history and vibrant culture. The Royal Forts & Palaces, the adventurous field, beautiful lakes surrounded by hills, vivacious Bazaars, traditional Rajasthani dinner offered during the train journey makes it the first choice of travelers in search of majestic experience in India. The train, which is an epitome of luxury blended with mesmerizing and charming beauty of Rajasthan justify, its title of 4th best luxury train in the World.

This is undoubtedly the exceptional rail ride that one can enjoy in India; but what makes this train stand at India’s No. 1 heritage luxury train? Let us have glimpse of some of the aspects of the train:

Cabins: With impeccable hospitality measures, the Palace on Wheels comes equipped with avant-garde amenities like central air conditioning, channel music, en-suite bathrooms with running hot & cold water, comfortable beds, writing desk and a chair to sit. Carpeted walls, royal furnished facilities, use of rich fabric & colorful paintings are most lucrative features of the deluxe abode onboard.

Palace on Wheels Cabins

Facilities on board: Dining car, bar, Rejuvenation spa, lounge, khidmatgar (Personal Attendant), indoor games, newspaper/magazine, off train cultural events & onboard events compels every traveler to enjoy this ride of a lifetime. For on board amusement, guests can enjoy different indoor games like chess, cards, carom board and crossword puzzle in the lavishly appointed lounge car. Luxuriously appointed and gracefully adorned, train has a total of 14 fully air-conditioned sedans which can accommodate up to 88 passengers in a single journey.

Dining Car, Palace on Wheels

Bar, Palace on Wheels

Journey: The Itinerary in itself is a magic box which opens up new surprises day by day over 7 nights & 8 days of journey. During the journey the train chugs through some of the precisely chosen locales of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh including Delhi, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra. Along with a stroll to the history lane of Rajasthan, guests aboard the train get a chance to explore its natural treasure trove with adventurous jungle safaris to Ranthambore and Keoladeo Chana National Park in Rajasthan.

Taj Mahal, Agra

Jeep Safari

Palace on wheels is synonym to “Grand Luxury Voyage on Iron Wheels” It has left no stones unturned to relieve the pomp and pageantry of the bygone era when the Rajputs used to be the undefeated rulers of Rajasthan, the cultural heartland of India.

Ladakh – The Final Frontier

Biking Tour to Ladakh is a dream of every Adventure Seeker and Traveler

Ladakh, the land of high passes, is one of the most picture perfect adventure destinations in India. Every view as one enters the Ladakh territory is awe inspiring. It makes you stop and savor in the stunning vistas. Made up and bound by mountains, Ladakh was strategically placed at the crossroads of important trade routes.

Ladakh is also referred to as Land of Lamas and if you are traveling by road and observing enough then there are a number of warning signs erected by BRO (In charge of road building and maintenance) advising “Don’t be a Gama in the Land of Lamas”. Infact there are some really funny warning signs all along the way. At one curve the road sign read “Be Gentle on My Curves” cautioning riders to drive slow and safe.

A Majestic View of the Snow-capped Karakoram Mountain Range with Leh Town in the Valley Below

Traveling to Ladakh on motorbike is a dream of every biker and not just Indians but foreign tourists in overwhelming number choose to travel to Ladakh on a motorbike. Whereas bikers come driving from as far as Bangalore, most of the adventure seekers either start from Manali of Srinagar and then travel towards Leh as their base camp.

Leh is the largest town in Ladakh and it is here that tourists make their stop to acclimatize to the high altitude condition. From here there are several destinations which could be covered depending upon the days one has at their disposal. The most sought after rides are Pangong Tso, Khardung La which is also claimed to be highest motorable pass in the world, Nubra Valley, Zanskar, Padum, Markha Valley, Drass, Kargil and Rangdum among others.

My motorcycle trip to Ladakh began from New Delhi and I travelled from Chandigarh, Manali, Sarchu towards Leh. Between Manali to Leh, I crossed 5 mighty mountain passes starting with Rohtang La. One of the major towns after crossing Rohtang is Keylong and then a small settlement Darcha before arriving at one of the toughest pass our group crossed. It was Baralacha La (16,500 ft).

At Rohtang La enroute to Leh from Manali

My advice would be to stop either at Keylong or at Darcha and not to attempt to cross Baralacha la after noon as the currents of water streams on the passes makes it really tough to cross on motorbike. As our feet along with shoes and socks got wet in icy cold water we had to make our stop at the descent of Baralacha La where there are a few tented accommodations. Staying at that height, the acute mountain sickness was inevitable. Notwithstanding the severe headache, next morning we started for Sarchu and from there on the ride was just awe inspiring and we had our fair share of acclimatization too.

Driving on, the urge to stop after every 500 meters is irresistible. The stunning scenery, stark landscape and floating clouds across azure sky are simply out of the world experience as one rides on towards Leh. After Sarchu traversing through the stunning Gata Loops and Nakee La will lead you to another small settlement of Pang. From here there are two tough passes one of which is Lachulung La at 16,616 feets and Tanglang La before which one rides through the breathtaking ride across Morey Plains, a vast plateau.

A Mesmerizing View from top of Gata Loops on Leh Manali Highway

The ride to Leh from Baralacha La was covered in one day. Even if one is starting from Sarchu, drive to Leh town is a one day affair. More adventurous souls and travelers keen on photography all along could make it in 2 days with accommodations available at quite a few places along the way. Keylong is a good choice and after that one can stay at Jispa, Darcha or Zingzingbar. It is advisable to cross the stream before noon because the flow of ice-cold water increases as the day temperature rises. As I found out to my peril, the flow of water in the stream was too powerful for motorbike to cross in the evening and it took us half an hour to wade across the stream everyone getting down and assisting one bike at a time to cross the stream and the water was really ice cold.

A Breathtaking View of Tsarap River After Sarchu, Leh Manali Highway

Leh is where I stopped and so does this post as I’d gather up more adventure in forthcoming post. A trip to Khardung La and Monastries around Leh.

Inviting you to a world of exotic forts, royal palaces, age-old monuments, inspiring landscapes, sun-kissed sand dunes, mystic cities, and diverse wildlife is India’s latest luxury train – the Maharajas’ Express. From the royal interiors of the train to the select destinations, everything aboard this luxury train soothes your mind, calms your souls and yet excites your wild streak.

An Exterior view of Maharajas' Express train

Conceived by the Indian Railways in 2010, the train flaunts the rich architectural heritage of the Kings of the bygone era. Where history is at your doorstep and luxury is at your command, a journey on board the Maharajas’ Express offers all luxurious comforts and amenities to the guests. A masterpiece in every sense of the word, it is adorned with two very finely decorated dining restaurants, a relaxing lounge, a well-stocked bar and majestic cabins designed to recreate the magic and elegance of the personal state carriages of Maharajas of the colonial era. The train carriages are fitted with panoramic windows to offer the vista of rolling landscape as train travels through some of the most fascinating landscapes and countryside of India. Sylvan parquets, intricate carvings and palette of soft hues characterize the interiors of the train. All cabins have individual temperature control, LCD television sets, DVD players, direct dial telephones, internet, even live television and electronic safe-deposit box. One of the many highlights of a trip aboard the luxurious Maharajas’ Express is the food with something to delight every appetite from berry compote pancake with fresh watermelon juice for breakfast, to filet mignon, smoked beef saltimbocca or prawn tikka for dinner. From Italian, French, Mediterranean to Mexican and Indian, every cuisine has got a place on the la carte menu of the two restaurants – Rang Mahal and Mayur Mahal aboard this train.

Rang Mahal Restaurant - Maharajas' Express

The train travels across some of the most captivating landscapes in India, covering well-known tourist destinations including Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Khajuraho, Udaipur, Varanasi and more. The medley of beautiful landscape, charismatic culture, diverse traditions and mystical history of India comes alive in the 5 exclusive Maharajas’ Express journeys, which have been recently launched by Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) this year – Heritage of India, Treasures of India, Gems of India, Indian Panorama and The Indian Splendour.

Out of the 29 sites in India inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the Maharajas’ Express journeys cover six of them, namely: Taj Mahal (Agra, Uttar Pradesh), Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh), Agra Fort (Agra, Uttar Pradesh), Jantar Mantar (Jaipur, Rajasthan), Khajuraho Temples (Madhya Pradesh), and Ajanta Caves (Maharashtra). Amidst all this sheer extravaganza and opulence, Maharajas’ Express lets its guests explore India’ most exotic and colorful locations of the Indian sub-continent like the battle scarred forts, the palaces of breathtaking grandeur and whimsical charm, wildlife parks and sanctuaries surrounded by barren mountains and the raw natural beauty of lakes and water bodies. The off-train excursions have been carefully planned keeping in mind the comfort and luxury of the guests. None of the journeys have been overloaded with trivial destinations to keep to trip enjoyable and invigorating. The peerless wonders included in the journeys on offer are eloquent reminders of the rich heritage that India is blessed with!

Champagne breakfast overlooking Taj Mahal

All in all, a journey aboard this luxury train offers a kaleidoscopic fiesta that lures you with its magical richness and stunning variety. No wonder the train has already bagged two major awards to its credit – 1st Runner up in the Conde Nast readers choice travel award 2011 and CNBC travel award 2010 under category of “Best Luxury train”.

All these luxuries and amenities come at a cost, which is a whopping USD 3580 per person per journey. The price can go up to USD 22000 for the grand presidential suite, which spans over an entire carriage!

Bang Pa-In is a small town around 50km north of Bangkok, and 20km south of the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. The town was established in the early 1630’s by King Prasat Thong of Ayutthaya as a second home for him and his family members during the summer months.

After the sacking of Ayutthaya by the Burmese army in 1767, the royal palace was left abandoned and unused while the new capital of Bangkok was being established.

Not until the reign of King Mongkut (King Rama IV), was the Summer Palace re-occupied and renovated. This work was continued by his son, the Great King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V), and it is his version of the Royal Palace that you can see today. Continue Reading

One of the reasons that I love Bali so much is the diversity of the island. A short drive can take you from one place to something completely different, making you fell like you have crossed several borders.
Below my tips to destinations in Bali depending on whether you prefer temples and museums, candlelight dinners on the beach, volcano climbing, holidaying with the rich and famous or you just want to get away from it all on a tropical island.

Continue Reading

When I’m away travelling, I have a serious love of shopping. In my mind, there’s nothing better than travelling unless it’s travelling and shopping together! There’s something about doing it in another country that makes it so much more special – being able to discover fantastic brands you’ve never heard of, seeing that nation’s on-trend residents styling  the most popular looks, and experiencing a completely different take on fashion through the eyes of a new culture. I find Europe has some amazing places to shop – and it’s possible to find them even while I’m discovering the incredible architecture, sampling the delicious food and becoming friendly with the locals – clever!

And I’ll let you in on one of the best-kept secrets of the fashion-savvy shopping in Europe… there are nine incredible shopping Villages scattered across Europe and sitting near gorgeous cities such as London, Paris, Milan and many more. I’m obsessed with these Villages, not just because they offer up savings of up to 60% on the RRP of amazing brands, including the mighty style mainstays of Matthew Williamson and Mulberry, but also because they’re incredible destinations in themselves.

Visiting them as a tourist, I love noticing how the architecture of each Village echoes its surroundings. And it’s really refreshing to step away from the madness of a bustling city, with an easy trip out of the centre, and experience a unique way of shopping. Even better – each Village has fantastic restaurants, cafés and open-air promenades (which are great for people watching too!). People from all over the world come to shop here, so I could really just spend all day relaxing and enjoying the food, watching the world go by and discovering what everyone’s wearing… However, that would only be possible if I could stop myself from shopping for the incredible brands on offer – whether at Bicester Village with its top British names like Vivienne Westwood and Mulberry, to the stylish Italian picks at Fidenza Village, such as Missoni and Belstaff, or the French classics by Comptoir des Cotonniers and Antik Batik at La Vallée Village. There are also luxury lifestyle brands including Smythson and Cath Kidston, all with incredible savings you won’t find in the cities!

So whatever country I’m in – Paris, Milan, London, Barcelona, Madrid, Dublin, Frankfurt, Munich or Brussels – I always find a shopping Village just down the road. The hand-picked labels and little touches make shopping an unforgettable experience, and makes each Village a destination in its own right. They are also bursting with their own culture and an experience that is just as exciting as discovering the nearby cities. It’s the perfect combination: shopping and culture, who can say no to that?

Find out more about the Collection of Chic Outlet Shopping® Villages:

You can keep up with all of the latest fashion and travel news by downloading the Chic Outlet Shopping® free app for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android. With this you’ll be instantly connected interactive maps of each Village, special offers, and exclusive Chic TV footage!

Want to discover what’s hot in Europe? Then follow The ChicBuzz®blog, Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr, updated daily with info about the latest fashion scoops, glamorous red-carpet reports and news from your favourite brands – as it happens.

Popular Hollywood Actor, Richard Gere will visit Borobudur, Indonesia’s imposing 9^th century Buddhist monument in Central Java, from 25^th to 27^th June this month.  Himself a devout Buddhist, Richard Gere will be accompanied by his wife Carey Lowell and son Homer James Jigme. Gere and family will be special guests at the spectacular Borobudur Masterpiece Ballet held at the Aksobya Open Air Theater, at the eastern foot of the Borobudur Temple, on Sunday evening June 26^th 2011. To be performed by a cast of 150 of top Javanese dancers, the Borobudur Masterpiece Ballet relates the history of the construction of the mighty temple during the reign of the Syailendra Dynasty.

Additionally, Richard Gere is planned to take part in a Morning Peace Walk together with Buddhist monks where he will witness a memorable sunrise from the courtyard of Borobudur. Gere will also participate in a Boddhi Tree Planting ceremony at the Borobudur garden. He will then visit the nearby Mendut Temple and the Borobudur Village on a one kilometer elephant ride, said Tourism Marketing Director General, Sapta Nirwandar at a press conference, Friday 17 June.

The entire visit of Richard Gere and family to Borobudur as well as to the adjacent Hindu Prambanan temple will be documented and broadcast on international TV channels. As June is peak tourist season and is also Indonesia’s school holidays, Borobudur will remain open to the public during the visit of actor Richard Gere, assured Nirwandar.

Both Borobudur and the Prambanan temples are designated UNESCO World Heritage Monuments.

During his visit, Richard Gere will meet Minister for Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik, and will be hosted to a special Dinner with Sultan Hamengku Buwono X at the Yogyakarta Palace.

Prior to his visit to Indonesia, the Golden Globe winner who paired with Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, will together with his family visit South Korea first, then end the tour in Indonesia with a holiday on the fabled island of Bali.

The visit to Indonesia of world class celebrities like Richard Gere is expected to raise Indonesia’s image globally and increase visitor arrivals to the country.

Badaling 八达岭  or Juyongguan 居庸关?   We are spoilt for choice in deciding which section of the Great Wall to visit.  In the end, we found ourselves at the steeper albeit less touristy Juyongguan.

Completed earlier than Badaling, Juyongguan screams ancient charm.  No wonder Karl Lagerfield chose this section of the Great Wall as the runway for his Fendi’s show in 2007.

Juyongguan is also known for the First and Foremost Pass Under Heaven 天下第一雄关 along with the First Pass Under Heaven (Shanhaiguan 山海关 in Hebei) and First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven (Jiayuguan 嘉峪关 in Gansu).  So many passes in China and all are somehow first under heaven.  Interesting.

The vertically extended Juyonguan is indeed a strenous section to climb, much more difficult than the stretching Badaling.  After going up the steps for about 20mins, we get to reach the souvenir shop to buy a I have been to the Great Wall certificate.  And the rest of our Great Wall adventure was just going down its precarious steps.

We spend the rest of the day exploring some grey walls at the hutongs (read: the narrow alleys) in  Beijing. The walls at Liulizhang 琉璃厂 (a hutong) is possibly more interesting than the Great Wall . We manage to get through the front rows of some arty-touristy-paraphernalia shops and reached the grey walls.

Since this is where typical people in Beijing live.  What is a visit to China without seeing those quintessential banners with slogans?

Or that strong desire to embrace the benefits of modern living coupled with resistence to change in preservation of its unique past?  The stark contrast between the greyish walls of the Hutongs and the shiny skyscrapers was quite a heart-wrenching sight.

We saw some of the oldest professionals making their living in open streets.  Silver hair grandpas and grandmas waiting patiently for their turn at the barber’s.

And even a most skilful dentist who can maintain his composure and balance amidst the crowd.  Intriguing.

Finally, the market at liulizhang is not to be missed.

Beijing. Be it Great Wall or grey walls. You have won my heart.

Plush, stylish and regal: Kaya Kalp – the Royal Spa gives new meaning to royal treatment. From the extravagant wellness treatments to the paradisical landscaping, the spa is especially designed to provide a living experience of regal being. Voted by many as one of the best spas in India, the Royal Spa is a perfect blending of old-world charm and modern-day spa pampering.

Stepping foot into the spa, it’s easy to see how Kaya Kalp has gained such recognition. Davina Hassell, the Spa Manager, guides me around the lavish property and explains, “The spa industry in India is still in its growing stage. I’m proud to say that Kaya Kalp is at the forefront of it and we’re working hard to strive for growth.”

The flagship Kaya Kalp spa located in ITC Mughal Agra Hotel is India’s biggest spa to date, sprawling over 99,000 square feet in area. Since opening its doors in 2008, the spa has already nabbed 8 prestigious awards, one of which is the Best City Spa awarded by Condé Nast Traveller.

Mughal Interior

Inside the spa, the Mughal mood is infectious. Kaya Kalp is designed using many elements from Mughal dynasty architecture: from latticework to bronzed lamps to velvet upholstery. Delhi-based architect and landscape designer, Pradeep Sachdeva, uses the pomegranate fruit as the theme of the spa – a fruit representative of the Mughal dynasty. Ruby red pomegranate designs can be seen in the design on the walls, ceiling and white terrazzo flooring.

The spa ground extends to the lush, tropical gardens. Running fountains flow, while fragrant flowers and fruit bearing trees blossom under the sunlight. Adapting the garden concept brought in by Baber, the first Mughal Emperor, the Kaya Kalp – Royal Spa adds in that eden atmosphere that can be felt all over the city. We are after all in Agra, the garden city most famous for India’s emblem, the Taj Mahal.

Spa Treatments

After an exhausting day of visiting the city’s numerous monuments, a rejuvenating spa treatment is just what you need. From traditional Ayurvedic rituals to chakra balancing and gem stone massages, there is a large assortment of holistic treatments and spa journeys on offer. A Royal Mughal hammam, resembling those of the old Persian days, is another interesting feature of the spa. Enjoy a deep cleansing body scrub, an oil massage, a scalp massage or simply lounge around the bath. Couples who want some intimate privacy can opt for the Taj Mahal Romance treatment, which includes Ayurvedic massages, guided meditation and Shirodhara therapy enjoyed together.

Pomegranate Journey

Curious to try out the spa’s most unique treatment, I book myself in for the Pomegranate Journey. My therapist first cleans my feet with water – a tradition used by the South Indians to welcome guests into their houses. To begin the journey, we start with a Pomegranate ritual scrub. Kaya Kalp’s signature blend of natural fruits such as pomegranate, lime and ginger, mixed with organic brown sugar allows the body to be gently exfoliated. It deeply cleanses, polishes and softens the body. Next, I get a deliciously healthy bath of pomegranate fruit essence, while sipping freshly squeezed pomegranate and lime juice. After feeling utterly relaxed, my treatment culminates with an Indian aromasoul ritual massage where my body is instantly revitalized with the use of traditional aromatherapy.

Towards the end of my journey, I feel enlighted – physically rejuvenated from the spa treatments, and intellectually enriched from experiencing India’s culture and history.