World Luxury Travel July15... · 2016-08-27 · thing to do would be to hire a reliable luxury limo...

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August Festivals around the GlobeAugust Festivals around the GlobeAugust Festivals around the GlobeAugust Festivals around the GlobeAugust Festivals around the GlobeAugust Festivals around the GlobeAugust Festivals around the GlobeAugust Festivals around the GlobeAugust Festivals around the GlobeAugust Festivals around the Globe

Hotels in Europe for theMuslim TravellerHotels in Europe for theMuslim Traveller

Five Luxury LimousineServices in BangkokFive Luxury LimousineServices in Bangkok

Auburn AutumnBest fall destinations in AsiaAuburn AutumnBest fall destinations in Asia

Vol. 3 Issue 12 July, 2015

Editor-in-Chief :Manashree

Travel Writers :Prabha, Jeesha

ContributingPhotographers :

Prakash, Manashree,Marc Sprengers

Website Counsellor :Pramathesh

Designer :Pranab

Manashree PrakashEditor-in-Chief

Luxury TravelWorld

Magazine

Autumn with all its lovely hues of red andyellow has arrived. Previously, we

talked about the best fall destinations indifferent parts of the world. This time we arevisiting a few beautiful destinations in Asia.

In our cover story, you will find some of the best spots to enjoythe autumn auburn and some of the breath-taking landscapes ofAsia.

While traveling, nothing can beat a luxurious stay at a place thatserves your preferred food. In this issue of the e-zine we are talkingabout the best hotels to stay for our Muslim travellers in Europe.These hotels are not only the epitome of luxury, but also are thebest places for food. These hotels take special care in serving halalfood to their guests on request. Other religion specific requestsand requirements are met with too!

Luxury travel starts with luxurious modes of transport. Limousineservices provide the most comfortable transit from one place to

another by road. Bangkok is a city with a number oflimousine service providers. However, it is

impossible to know which one would give theexpected service. In our feature coverage, we are

talking about five limousine service providers inBangkok whom you can rely on for seamlessservices. Read on to pick the one that fits thebill.

Happy travels!

Thank you!

Vol. 3 Issue 12 July, 2015

Contents

Cover Story5

14Feature 28 Happenings

Hotels in Europe for theMuslim Traveller

22Luxe StaysAuburn AutumnBest fall destinations in Asia

August FestivalsAugust FestivalsAugust FestivalsAugust FestivalsAugust Festivalsaround the Globearound the Globearound the Globearound the Globearound the Globe

Five Luxury LimousineServices in Bangkok

55

World Luxury Travel Magazine

C o v e rStory

Auburn AutumnBest fall destinations in Asia

Auburn AutumnBest fall destinations in Asia

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Some say transition is better than a beginning or an end.Beginnings overwhelm you with hope while endings sealthe fate. A transition on the other hand just lets you be.Autumn is one such prefect respite between the long,sunny days of summer frolic and winter frenzy in a blanketof snow. It neither brings with it lofty expectations to findlove like spring nor does it rush you to chase liberty likethe monsoon. Autumn is relaxing, tolerant and infinitelypatient. It gives you all the time in the world to appreciatethe beauty of the gradual changing of colours and letsyou wander about aimlessly before you are ready to turninto a new leaf.

As travellers go out in search of attractions during fall thatare complete with romantic walks, pleasant weather,vibrant landscapes and a changing scenery, we bring youthe best foliage destinations of Asia:

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Kyoto, Japan

Autumn leaf viewingor “Momiji-gari” is apopular activity thatbegan in thehistorical times inJapan. First startedby the noble family,it now drawstourists from all overthe world. The cityof Kyoto is arenowned foliageattraction. Colourfulleaves (koyo) beginto peep from thetrees in mid-September. By theonset of winter theyenvelop thesurroundings inhues of yellows andreds. The Japanesemaple trees incrimson arescattered liberally inevery temple, shrineand garden of Kyoto.The Tofuku-ji

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Temple, Nanzen-ji Temple, Ginkaku-ji Temple,Honen-in Temple, Takao, and Okochi-Sanso Villaare the popular foliage spots while the secludedones include Shinyodo Temple, The Kyoto Gyoen,Kurama-dera Temple etc. From vibrant yellows,flaming oranges to eye scorching reds, Kyotopresents a brightly painted canvas.

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Daisetsuzan National Park,Hokkaidô, Japan

The leaf changing season kickstarts from the mid to lateSeptember in DaisetsuzanNational Park every year. Hikeyour way to the higher regionsnear Mount Asahidake,Ginsendai or Kogen Onsen tosoak up the breath-takingviews. The yellow leaves of thegolden birches, crimson coverof the mountain ash trees andthe green needles of dwarfstone pines put up amesmerising display.

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Jiuzhaigou Valley, Sichuan, China

The Jiuzhaigou Valley in the south-western Chinese province of Sichuanis a poet’s dream come true during fall. Splashed in a riotof colours that constantly keep changing from green toyellow and finally red, it is somewhat of a fairy-tale land.The crystal clear water streams, lakes, waterfalls andponds reflect a mosaic of different hues from the blue

sky above to the entire foliage spectrum. Thekaleidoscope of colours is wonderfully

complemented by the pristine bluewater bodies and the

clear skies.

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Fragrant Hills Park,Beijing, China

The Fragrant Hills Parkor the Xiangshan Parklies at around 10kilometres to the westof Beijing. Due to itshigh elevation anddense cover of trees, itis a treat for visitors inautumn. From themiddle October toearly November, it isbathed in a hood of redleaves which attractsplenty of tourists. It isan important site oftemples, historicalrelics, gardens, lakes,forests and peaks. TheTranquillity GreenLake, Fragrant HillsTemple, Heshun Gateand the Xiangwu Ku arethe best places toadmire the red leaves.

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Seoul, South Korea

Cradled between humid summers and icywinters, autumn comes across as a breathof fresh air in Seoul. The fiery colourstransform the region into a wonderland ofsorts. The Jeongdong-gil road or theDeoksugung Doldam-gil road along

Deoksugung Palace’s stone wall is oneof the most romantic spots you

can visit. The 900

metres long pathway strewn with yellowgingko leaves is a sight to behold. The SeoulMuseum of Art with its 500-year-old mapletree and quiet garden is another favourite.The other ideal hubs include the road fromGyeongbok Palace to Samcheong Park andfrom East Tower in Jongno to SamcheongTunnel as well as the Gilsangsa Temple,Bongeunsa Temple and Garosugil street etc.

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The fascinating part of the fall season ishow it lets the leaves show their truecolours and take centre stage after beingovershadowed by the blossoming flowersfor most of the year. Autumn never makesa dazzling entry that blinds your senses, itreveals itself rather slowly but promises toenrapture you once in full form. If youpause a bit to pick up a brightly hued leaffrom its foliage carpet, breathe in its crispair or admire your glowing surroundings,know that autumn has gently whisperedits secret to you. Take part in its carnival ofcolours as long as it lasts.

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Bangkok

Five LuxuryLimousineServicesin

Feature

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The city of Bangkok sports myriadshades of life. It has the habit of engulfing

its visitors in its colourful world. Travellersbask in the beauty and luxury of the city andtend to forget a thing or two in their check-list. Bangkok is a treat for travellers lookingfor a luxurious experience. From staying atthe luxurious Four Seasons hotel, enjoying

a private tour of Bangkok’sKhlongs, to dining at the Baan Khanitha,Bangkok offers it all. If you would love toenjoy Bangkok at its luxurious best, the rightthing to do would be to hire a reliable luxurylimo service. There are various limo servicesin Bangkok, which offer quality service. Hereare five of the bests.

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Thailand Limousines

If you want to enjoy the luxurious experience of a limo ride on the streetsof this vivacious city, then you can make Thailand Limousines your aide.One of the premier limousine services in Bangkok, they offer the LincolnTown Car Limousine, which is one of the most famous limousines in themarket. These limousines have a controllable privacy divider that providesthe passenger with the much-needed privacy from the driver’s area infront. Other facilities include, customized sound system, mini-bar in thecar, built-in TV with CD/DVD players and many more. If you need anairport pick-up then you can trust them to provide you with the bestservice. Experienced drivers, who have a complete low-down of flightdelays or cancellations, help you out in emergencies. Enjoy the wonderfulbeaches of Hua Hin, Cha Am, Pattaya, Koh Chan or Rayong with a beautifullimousine as your companion.

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S.P. Limousine

S.P. Limousine can be another greatoption for you if you are looking for areliable limousine service in Bangkok.One of the biggest players in the car hiremarket, S.P. Limousine has a four-pronged service structure. They providestandard cars, luxury Cars, VIP vans andLuxury Alphards (Toyota). They alsoprovide users with luxury coaches, whichcan be used to hold conferences andseminars. The luxury limousines which

they provide can alsobe used for a fun-filledfamily tour of Bangkok. Youcan sit back and enjoy your rideto the Grand Palace or the WatPho, and make your Bangkok trip amemorable one. S.P. Limousine hasa responsive and warm customerservice set-up, which always sees to itthat the passenger gets the best out ofthe services provided.

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The Siam Resorts Group LimousineServices

A luxury limousine service, which isprovided by a luxury resort group,can definitely be counted upon asa reliable one. The Siam ResortsGroup Limousine service is one

such limo service in Bangkok.It has a touch of class attached

to it. This company makes sure that youenjoy the city to the fullest and marvel atthe city’s attractions and the beaches. If youwant to visit some of the lesser knownplaces such as Koh Chang, Kanchanaburi,Ayutthaya or Ban Krut, you can trust themto take you there comfortably. By recruitingonly English-speaking chauffeurs, they alsomake sure that you don’t have to face anylanguage barrier.

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First Class Bangkok

This aptly named limousine service cansurprise you with its services as it is mannedby some of the most experienced travelentrepreneurs in the city. Each and every carcomes with an experienced chauffeur, whocan communicate in English, making thingseasier for foreign travellers. If you are visitingthe city for the first time then it would be awise decision to go for First Class Bangkok.

Some of the client testimonials also suggestthat they are punctual, quick, resourcefuland pay extra attention to the safety andsecurity of the passengers. To top it all, theywill also welcome you with a chilled beer ofyour own choice. Imagine vrooming past thebeautiful Giant Swing, sipping your favouritedrink in the luxury and comfort of alimousine!

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The Oriental Trans and Car Service Company Limited

This 24-hour limousine service has earned manyaccolades from their passengers because of theirpremium services. They have been providinglimousines and other luxury cars to the who’s who ofthe city and have also been the travel partners forvarious luxury hotels. They have a fleet of some ofthe most luxurious car brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, BMW, etc. Each and every car haslimousine management software, which is integrated

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with the GPS and the GPRS system, making the cars muchmore passenger-friendly. They also provide special tourpackages for travellers who want to enjoy the beauty ofthe city. There are many packages, which include touristattractions like the river and canal tour, Temple of Dawn,Ayutthaya, and many other spots. Moreover, they haveexperienced and qualified chauffeurs that adds to theirlist of brownie points.

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It’s one thing to just pack your bagsand hit the road without having a

destination in mind. There aresome travellers who swear by

this type of travel routine.However, there are some,

who are a bit moreparticular about the

Hotels in Europe

for theMuslim Traveller

LuxeStays

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planning process. These are the travellerswho sometimes get the best out of a place,a hotel, a restaurant, a spa and everythingthat can possibly be there in a travelitinerary. They research well beforetravelling and make sure that they are at theright place at the right time. So if you areplanning for your next holiday or business

trip to Europe, and you want to know thewhereabouts of some of the luxury hotelsin Europe, which serve authentic halal food,you are at the right place.

Here are five luxury hotels in Europe whereyou will not only find authentic anddelicious halal food, but various other

facilities, which are specially designed todelight Muslim visitors.

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The Landmark, London

If you are in London, then you can choose TheLandmark for your stay. It has the classical Englishcharm that will enchant you the moment youenter the premises. More importantly, you willfind authentic halal food here too. The Landmarkis widely known for its award winning teas, whichhave received rave reviews and won the heartsof many visitors. It is also known for its worldrenowned health spa, which can make your staynot only blissful and luxurious, but healthy aswell. However, what makes The Landmark oneof the best options in London for Muslimtravellers is its halal food. It has a wide range ofdishes that can satisfy many a bon vivant. Apartfrom that they have various other services suchas special Arabic television channels, and adelicious Middle Eastern menu, featuring aneclectic mix of Muslim cuisine.

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Hotel Fouquet’s Barriere, Paris

Once you are done enjoying a wonderfulday at one of the most beautiful andromantic cities in the world, you can choosethe Hotel Fouquet’s Barriere to spend thenight. Famous for its luxurious and spaciousrooms, which are decorated with mahoganyand silk, this stunning hotel is located righton the corner of Avenue des Champs-Elysees and Avenue George. This Five Starluxury hotel has all the necessary facilitiesto satisfy a Muslim visitor. If you are lookingfor prayer mats in your room, the staff ofthis hotel will make sure that you get that.They can even manage to arrange for copies

of the Quran in your room. Moreover, HotelFouquet’s Barriere is also known for itsMuslim cuisine, which comprises ofauthentic halal food.

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Le Richemond, Geneva

If the breath taking view of Lake Geneva fromyour veranda or the fact that you could bestaying in the same room where LouisArmstrong and Charlie Chaplin had stayed isnot enough, then LeRichmond has manyother facilities towoo you. It looksstunning in its Artdeco design; it has awonderful gourmetrestaurant called LeJardin that servesauthentic halal food

for Muslim travellers. The hotel alsooffers various other facilities such asa copy of the Quran in the room,bidets in the bathrooms, a non-alcoholic mini-bar and a female-only spa to cater to Muslim guests.

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Hotel Hassler, Rome

It’s not necessary that when you are in Rome, you haveto do just as the Romans do. You can choose to beyourself and do whatever you like. Located near theColosseum, overlooking the famous Spanish Steps, theHassler hotel is one of the leading hotels in Rome andis certainly one of the most Muslim-friendly hotels inEurope. The management has taken special attentionin providing Muslim visitors with an array of in-roomfacilities like Arabic Television channels, books, and evenbidets in bathrooms. The hotel has an expansive menu

of authentic halal food for theMuslim foodies. Moreover, if youare looking for female onlyhousekeeping or room staff, thenyou can get it easily at the Hassler.

There are many other hotels inEurope, which offers authentichalal food and also cater toMuslims with an array of servicesand facilities. So, next time youare in Europe with your backpackor Attaché, and looking for aluxury hotel that offers great halalfood, you know where to go.

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AugustFestivalsaroundthe Globe

Happenings

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Medellin Flower Festival

Place: Medellin, Colombia

Dates: August 3 – 12, 2015

One of the loveliest festivals depicting theculture of Colombia, the Medellin FlowerFestival is a ten day celebration of beautyand of life itself. The festival has over 140events but the show-stealer is the flowerbearer’s parade. Dazzling displays of flowerarrangements mounted on huge circularcontraptions (silleta) are carried by ruralflower farmers on their backs. Not a meanfeat, considering that a silleta, using up to70 different types of flowers and with a

diameter of up to 5 m, can weigh up to 70kilos! There are other events too, includingthe popular Trova Festival, the horse parade,the classic car parade and the musicconcerts. The flower arrangements depictthe history and life of the people and as suchthe festival is recognised as the culturalheritage of Colombia.

Trivia: The festival is said to hold twoGuinness Book of World Records titles!

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Mt Hagen Cultural Show

Place: Papua New Guinea

Dates: August 15 – 16, 2015

This exotic cultural show is a showcase ofthe country’s best sing-sings (tribal groups)coming together in an explosion of colours,costumes and artistic performances.Villagers from all around the region comehere to display their cultural heritage- dance,music and costumes. First staged in 1964,the event was started in an effort to bringtogether warring tribes and promote their

culture. Today the event is a breath-takingdisplay of local culture. The costumes,consisting of body paint, spectacular head-dresses, feathers, leaves and shells are eye-catching. The rhythmic drumming, dancingand chanting music are spell-binding. Thetempo of the beats, the vivid colours andthe pulsating enthusiasm make this aninteresting event for those who are lookingfor somewhat offbeat happenings anddestinations.

Trivia: It is best to take the Trans NiuginiTours to enjoy this festival.

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Seven Sisters Festival

Place: Hong Kong

Dates: August 20, 2015

The Qi Xi or the Seven Sisters Festival isthe Chinese equivalent of Valentine’s Day.Dedicated to lovers and singles, thefestivities take place all over the country.Newly-weds and singles congregate

mainly at Hong Kong’s Lovers’ Rock. Thefestival traces its origins in an ancientlegend according to which seven fairysisters came down to earth to bathe. Acowherd stole the clothes of the seventhsister forcing her to marry him as a result.

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The couple lived happily forthree years when theheavenly wife was orderedback. The Queen Mother ofHeaven drew a line acrossthe sky to separate thelovers. The girl was allowedto meet her husband onlyonce a year. In memory of theyoung lovelorn couple,celebrations are held tilltoday. Young girls makeofferings of joss sticks, fruits,flowers and even facepowder. Maidens wishing toattract potential husbandsdisplay their domestic skills inthe form of embroidery andknitting. Rooftops, backyardsand gardens are all popularvenues for holding thecelebrations.

Trivia: The couple could meetonly on the seventh day of theseventh moon on a bridgeformed by thousands ofmagpies!

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Zurich Street Parade

Place: Zurich, Switzerland


One of the most popular techno paradesin Europe, the Zurich Street Parade was firstheld in 1992. It was officially ademonstration for love, peace, freedomand tolerance, and resonates with the samevalues even today. The2.4 km long paraderoute in the Lake Zuricharea, is packed with 30L o v e m o b i l e s(decorated mobiletrucks) equipped withmassive music systems,7 big stages. Up to a

million visitors including DJs, dance fans andmusic and party loving crowds flock to beenthralled by the latest electronic music, liveshows, multimedia and dance animations.Hundreds of parties are held through theweekend. This vibrant electronic music andarts events transforms Zurich into acolourful, lively dance floor. The spirit of safefun permeates the entire festival, promotedthrough a list of do’s and don’ts. Drugs,

violence, drunkenbehaviour areeschewed and clean fungets promoted.

Trivia: This is a non-profit event with worldclass DJs performingfree of charge!

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World Bog Snorkelling Championship

Place: Wales


This one takes the cake as far as quirky sports go. Thesmallest town in Britain, Llanwrytd Wales in Powys, Walesis witness to this whacky event every year in August WaenRhydd Peat Bog. The scene of action is a 55 m stretch ofmurky bog waters, where contestants have to race! Thecatch lies here – regular swimming strokes are forbidden,

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only flippers and snorkels are allowed. Contestants participateunder various categories including Men, Ladies, Junior and Local.Another associated event is the Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling.There is a costumed racing event too. The event is pretty popularconsidering that it has a place in the World Alternative Games.

Trivia: This year will see the 30th World Bog SnorkellingChampionship being held!

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World Luxury Travel July15... · 2016-08-27 · thing to do would be to hire a reliable luxury limo...

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