Category Archives: Asia

spring flowers of tokyo

Spring in Japan brings more than just cherry blossoms. Tokyo’s green spaces erupt into a rainbow of colorful spring flowers. Here are the best spots.
Japan has a huge variety of flora and fauna. Cherry blossoms are world-famous, but that isn’t the only reason to go flower watching in spring. Colorful azaleas, wisteria vines and roses, to name but a few, burst into bloom across the country. Tokyo’s green spaces, including formal gardens, shrines and parks, are the ideal way to see spring flowers. Festivals and illuminations offer an extra-special way to enjoy the scenery.
Hama-rikyu Gardens

Japan Spring Gardens
Japan Spring Gardens

These gardens are home to 300,000 stalks of rape blossoms that form a bright yellow carpet, creating a contrast against the skyscrapers surrounding the park. Between early and late March, Hama-rikyu holds a rape blossom festival, during which you can enjoy Tsugaru-jamisen concerts and an illumination display.
Spot: Hama-rikyu Gardens
Access: 7 minutes on foot from Tsukijishijo Station or Shiodome Station (Toei Subway)
Nezu-jinja Shrine

Nezu Shrine has an approximately 6,600 square-meter azalea garden featuring 3,000 azalea plants of 50 varieties. During the shrine’s annual azalea festival, visitors are invited to admire the scenery, to try amazake (a sweet fermented rice drink) at a teahouse and to check out the festival booths.
Spot: Nezu-jinja Shrine
Access: 5 minutes on foot from Nezu Station, Sendagi Station, or Todaimae Station (Tokyo Metro)
Events: Bunkyo Azalea Festival (Tsutsuji Matsuri) April to May
Kameido Tenjin Shrine

Japan Spring blooms
Japan Spring blooms

This shrine has 15 trellises supporting as many as 100 wisteria vines that bloom in synchronized harmony. The violet flowers look magnificent by day and especially romantic at twilight.
Access: 15 minutes on foot from Kameido Station or Kinshicho Station (JR lines)
Events: Kameido Tenjin Shrine Wisteria Festival April to May
Kyu-Furukawa Gardens

Kyu-Furukawa Gardens offer a splendid view of some 180 roses of 90 varieties. Another beauty that’s not to be missed is a strikingly elegant Western-style brick building designed by a British architect. Here, you’ll see a fascinating harmony between the Western-style and Japanese-style gardens.
Spot: Kyu-Furukawa Gardens
Access: 7 minutes on foot from Nishigahara Station (Tokyo Metro)
Events: Spring Rose Festival May
Imperial Palace East Gardens (Kokyo Higashi Gyoen)

These gardens span an area of around 210,000 square meters. In May, the gardens’ Ninomaru Grove is tinged a rich shade of red as rhododendrons bloom.
Access: 5 minutes on foot from Otemachi Station or Takebashi Station (Tokyo Metro)

Japanese food, what where and how

Japanese ingredients blessed with distinct seasons and an abundant harvest from the sea and mountains are very rich in variety. The key appeal of Tokyo’s culinary scenes is the availability of fresh and flavorful ingredients from all over Japan. In Tokyo, a city with a long history and rich culture, you can experience everything from traditional Japanese cuisine to modern culinary trends in one place.

Traditional Japanese cuisine has been added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage and its basis is healthy dashi broth. Traditional seasonings used to bring out the umami (or savouriness) flavor are increasingly becoming compatible with dietary restrictions in recent years, allowing more people to enjoy dining in Japan.

For Vegetarians or Vegans

Great variety of vegetarian foods offered in Tokyo Cafes
Great variety of vegetarian foods offered in Tokyo Cafes

Traditional Japanese cuisine and other Japanese dishes use “dashi”, which is a broth that contains a bouillon-like umami flavor. Please note that some seemingly meat- and fish-free dishes may contain dashi broth or gelatin made from animal ingredients, such as bonito and other fish broth or meat extracts. Also, animal ingredients may be used in the seasoning or emulsifier.

For sweets, soymilk and coconut oil and the like are used instead of eggs and butter. In the gluten-free menu items, rice flour, a typical Japanese ingredient, is mainly used. The soymilk ice cream has a soothing taste and will help you have a relaxing teatime after a long journey.

For Muslims

Vegan-Muslim restaurants are on the rise, even among café restaurants where you can enjoy the current culinary trend of Tokyo in a casual setting. Vegan-Muslim versions of the dishes inspired by Japanese popular culture such as gyoza and karaage using soybean meat are offered in the menu.

Even though Japanese versions of foreign-origin dishes such as curry rice and ramen noodles, which have become an integral part of the unique culinary culture, usually contain meat and/or fish, vegan restaurants do not use animal ingredients and instead use vegetables and seaweed to add depth to the flavor.

Traditional Japanese seasonings such as mirin (cooking sake), soy sauce, and miso (soy paste) may contain alcohol. Furthermore, Japanese sake is also utilized a lot in cooking. Even if it is not specified in the ingredients, please note that emulsifiers with gelatin or pork-derived ingredients, or alcohol-based seasonings may be used. Please be aware that some vinegars used in sushi rice are manufactured from alcohol.

Japanese Kaiseki Restaurants

Japanese Kaiseki Restaurants, Joy of Seasons
Japanese Kaiseki Restaurants, Joy of Seasons

Kaiseki-ryori is a Japanese cuisine created for the enjoyment of the tea ceremony, a Japanese tradition. “Wabi-sabi”, the basis of the tea ceremony, is expressed in the course menu. While expressing the seasonality through the seasonal ingredients as well as the cherry blossoms and maple leaves that decorate the dishes, the delicate and profound Japanese culinary culture is evident in the attention to details in the presentation of the dishes. You can feel the spirit of the Japanese people, who cherish the richness of nature and a sense of the seasons, in every single dish.

The restaurant has created a multilingual booklet on the basics and etiquettes of Kaiseki cuisine to make sure our guests can safely enjoy the dining experiences with the clarifications of the ingredients.

For Muslim guests, gelatin-free and alcohol-free soy sauce is used. Halal Wagyu beef served in Teppanyaki and Shabushabu is exceptional.

For vegetarians and vegans, we have a colorful dish of vegetables in mushroom and kelp broth. You can enjoy vegetables delivered directly from contract farmers and seasonal delicacies such as edible wild plants in the spring and wild mushrooms in the fall.

We can also prepare gluten-free versions of Tempura, in which flour is usually used for batter, or soy sauce, the basic seasoning of Japanese cuisine. Guests can safely enjoy the dishes without compromising the taste.

Kaiseki cuisine contains much of the essence of good old traditional Japan. It would surely be a highlight of your trip in Japan.

Japanese Soul Food at Soba Restaurants

Soba Restaurant offers casual dining for a reasonable price
Soba Restaurant offers casual dining for a reasonable price

One of the dishes that foreign visitors to Japan always mention as the “Must try Japanese food” would be Soba or Tempura.
At a Soba restaurant, you can casually enjoy everyday local food of Japanese people such as Tempura and various rice bowls as well as Soba.

Dashi broth used for noodle sauce is often made with bonito, but it is made with kombu (kelp) to make it more palatable for vegetarian and vegan guests. The noodle sauce is an important factor in determining the taste of Soba. A number of trials were made over a long time to make sure it tasted right.

It can also be made available for oriental vegetarian guests by taking out the leek seasoning. The texture of the crispy batter is the hallmark of Tempura. The texture of the batter is maintained even without eggs. Why not take this opportunity to experience a kind of soul food that is familiar to the Japanese people?
* Soba (buckwheat) is an allergy item.

Japanese Dining Etiquette You Should Know

Otoshi – is a small dish like an appetizer. It is served automatically before the order, usually for the cover charge, at a place like Izakaya (casual dining bar).

Water or tea – is served as you are seated at the table. It is usually free and for consumption in house.

No food or beverage to be brought in. Please consume only what is ordered and served in house.

Oshibori – It is a small wet towel for wiping your hands provided as a courtesy. It is for use in house only and not to be taken out.

Taking off shoes – Take off your shoes before entering the tatami-matted sitting room. Place the shoes taken off in an orderly manner.

A number of orders – At an eatery, it is commonly expected to order at least one dish per person.

Tipping – There is no custom of tipping in Japanese restaurants. Please ask if the check is to be settled at the table or paid at the register.

To learn more and get all sorts of other info visit https://tokyotokyo.jp/home/

Unleash your inner adventurer in Norway’s wilderness on the new Western Fjords Hiking Tour

50 NORTH Logo

Vancouver, Febrauary 4th, 2019–  Nordic Travel Specialist, 50 Degrees North, has introduced a new, exclusive 9-day tour, ‘Western Fjords Hike’. Aimed at all active adventurers with a reasonable fitness level and a love for hiking, this tour takes them into the heart of the unique, secluded and exceptionally beautiful Western fjords in Norway, away from the summer crowds.

The ‘Western Fjords Hike’ follows 50 Degrees North’s signature style of taking travelers ‘off the beaten path’ and into hard-to-reach yet profoundly stunning and authentic parts of the Nordics. This is enabled on this tour partly by their use of a private minivan with space for up to 12 people – both a highly flexible and safe alternative to public transport or a private rental car. However, the hikes in this tour make the experience all the more exclusive and unique, offering breathtaking panoramic views that few travelers get to see for themselves. 

“This tour follows the same route as our ‘Western Fjords of Norway tour’, complete with our own private minibus, but is geared to those with a good level of fitness and endurance. This is an active tour with guided day hikes and some of the trails are very steep and long – a great challenge for anyone seeking an active escape in secluded and beautiful scenery”, says Tietse Stelma, 50 Degrees North’s CEO and founder. 

The self-guided tour starts from Bergen and finishes in Ålesund. In between, travelers get to hike in several breathtaking locations, join the locals on a ferry ride from Bergen to Kalvåg, catch a private 50 Degrees North minivan through the Western fjords with Loen as the main base, and travel along the Norfjord and the Hjørundfjord, two stunning fjords surrounded by lush forests and small, scenic villages. Once in Ålesund, the trekkers also get to embark on an exciting Wildlife Sea Safari in a high-speed RIB-boat. 

The trip runs weekly from July to September, 2019 with fixed departures from Bergen every Thursday
(4049 AUD / 2914 USD / 3950 CAD per person). 

For more information on the ‘Western Fjords Hike’ tour, please visit:https://www.fiftydegreesnorth.com/tour/western-fjords-hike

For more information on the ‘Western Fjords of Norway’ tour, please visit:https://www.fiftydegreesnorth.com/tour/western-fjords-of-norway-tour

Traveling with Children to China. Part #3 Xi’an and Qingdao

We loved Mian Shan area so much that we decided to postpone our planned trip to Xi’an in few hours, and take a speed train afternoon. So..whole morning we explored new areas of Mian Shan with Beautiful Taoist temples and valleys. Our favorites are: Chess Cave in Qixuan Valley
Chess Cave in Qixuan ValleyZhujia Hollow Area
Zhujia Hollow Area

Lingbao God TempleLingbao God Temple
Lingbao God TempleLingbao God TempleLingbao God TempleLingbao God Temple

It takes almost an hour with taxi to drive from Mian Shan area to Jiexiu Speed Train Station. It’s a large modern facility, with wide road and large concrete empty space in front of the building.
Jiexiu Speed Train Station
Although, right next to the raised plaform , down below bordering farmer’s fields with greeneryFarmer's Fields next to Jiexiu Speed Train Station
We arrived to Xi’an by bullet train from Jiexiu. It was fun to look outside and to the screen of the tablo showing “250 km/hr” speed of the train.
After train we took a subway. It is very economical, comfortable and convenient way to travel in the city. Xi'anDowntown Xian
Downtown XianMuslim Quarters in Xian with rows of small shops and restaurants with food to taste is a must area to visit in the evening while in Xian.
Muslim Quarters in XianWe stayed in Downtown Hotel Xi’an, very convenient hotel for travellers.
Next morning we took a bus to enormous exhibition of Terracota Army. It’s gigantic place and unbelievable artifacts attracts billions of people from around the world as a “Must See in China” tourist attraction.
Next early morning we flew to relaxing and beautiful Qingdao city- “Oriental Switzerland”
Qingdao Airport Treminal 2Qingdao Airport Terminal 2
Next morning we decided to visit Laoshan. It is a well known area, and better to visit it early in the morning before the crowds. Also, when you take a shuttle bus to temples, first start with the farthest areas to explore..
Lao Shan area in QingdaoLaoshan
LaoShanLaoshanLaoshan

You need at least a day in Laoshan (better two, if you can arrange staying overnight in beautiful challets in this area.
Also, Qingdao is an interesting city as well. We visited Military museum, Bathing Beaches and downtown narrow streets..
Qingdao
Old Qigdao

 

Traveling with children to China, Part#2 Pingyao and Mian Shan

Beijing Railway Station From Beijing Railway Station we took overnight train to Pingyao.

Beijing Railway Station
Interior of Beijing Railway Station

Beijing Railway Station at night
Beijing Raylway Station at night

Even we  booked our tickets well in advance, the softsleeper was sold out, and we had left with hard sleeper choice only. Before the trip I worried about safety, and personal belongings in the train, but after great experience with hard sleeper, all our family would love to experience this trip again. may be we were lucky, may be all tourists in hard sleeper cars are so nice, that we ended up with new friends, and lots of great memories just from overnight trip.

Beautiful Pingyao Cheng Jia hotel we booked well in advance in advance, so in the morning, on the railway station, the driver from hotel was waiting for us. After 5-10 minutes ride, we comfortably explored our room, and hotel grounds.   Pingyao Cheng Jia Hotel was decorated in national style, with mix of old and traditional, kang bed and carved furniture, and modern; heated floors and stylish showers.

Pingyao Ancient City
Pingyao Ancient City

Pingyao
View from the City Wall of Pingyao Ancient City

Pingyao West Road
West Road in Pingyao Ancient City

Ancient City Pingyao Temple area
Ancient City Pingyao Temple area

Pingyao City Temple
Pingyao City Temple

Pingyao
Pingyao

Pingyao
Pingyao

Pingyao, China
Pingyao City Wall

Pingyao Ancient City Wall, Shanxi, China
Pingyao Ancient City Wall, Shanxi, China

South East Gate, Pingyao
South East Gate of Pingyao Ancient City Wall

Pingyao Ancient City Wall, China
Pingyao Ancient City Wall, China

Pingyao Ancient City- UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pingyao Ancient City- UNESCO World Heritage Site.

View from Pingyao City Wall, UNESCO WORLD Heritage Site
View from Pingyao City Wall, UNESCO WORLD Heritage Site

Northern Gate in Pingyao Ancient City

Our stay in Pingyao Cheng Jia Hotel , probably is one of the finest experiences with hotels in China. After showers, and good breakfast we walked around the ancient city walls. Cause we were at the end of the touristic season, we were lucky to see only few tourists on our way, and had fun experience browsing and  participating in local activities with personal attention.

Pingyao Ancient City West Ring Road at night
Pingyao Ancient City West Ring Road at night

Beautiful Pingyao
Beautiful Pingyao

Pingyao Ancient City South Street at night.
Pingyao Ancient City South Street at night.

Pingyao Ancient City East Street. Evening view
Pingyao Ancient City East Street. Evening view

After overnigh in Pingyao, next morning we took a short 25 minutes train ride to Jiexiu, than another 20 minutes on taxi to Mian Shan Touristic Area.  Mian Shan met us with crispy clean mountain air and warm sunshine.

True! It was unbelievable experience, one-of-a-kind! We drop all our luggage in Yunfeng Hotel, and walked to one of the nearest Yunfeng Temple. From the Temple we took Cloud Road to the Heaven. The name said everything. Wow! No photos, or videos can descibe our feelings, and surrounding views..Tranquility, inviting warmth of bright sunshine, fresh air and panoramic breathtaking views were like a magic energy pouring into our bodies to give us enough to climb and walk for a day without any snacks and water stops. We were like hungry to see more and more of the surrounding beauty. All unique, and beautifully restored temples on high cliffs, untouched by centuries trees and rocks, peacefull smiles of locals, interactions with monks… all of these unforgettable experiences of joy we keep in our heads, and keep reminiscing often…

That day we explored also Rabbit Bridge area, Daluo Temple, Iron Chain Ridge and Universe Pagoda…

Dinner at Yunfeng Hotel was more delicious than expected, probably we were very hungry and tired…

Next morning after delicious buffet breakfast in Yunfeng Hotel, first we explored Qixian Valley Area with caves along the way. No any Wonderland-Disneyland or other amusement park can compete with natural beauty of the Valley and entertainment with climbing through the obstacles. This valley was the Highlight of the trip for our children. After the valley we took a shuttle bus to Zhujia Hollow Area visited Cave God Temple, Lingbao God temple and Sight Seeing Pavillion, then again shuttle bus, toFunnel Spring Area, visiting Daluo Temple & Beehive Spring, than magnificient Plank Road on Cliff… The Plank road on Cliff is another “Wow” experience of lifetime. Imagine CN Tower glass floor experience, when you walk on thick glass floor, which can withhold an elephant…so, like this, but without any glass, and thin planks offer you see-through-the-floor experience, while you walking above the clouds…Yes, it’s thrilling experience,..that’s why we came here to enjoy it…and tranquility..and crisp air..and sunshine…just made it to be perfect. If we ever happened to visit this Mian Shan Scenic Area again, we stay here at least a week, without rush, enjoying life together with local monks… Unfortunately our time in China was limited, and after lunch we rushed to shuttle bus, then to waiting us taxi to railway station, to take a speed train to Xi’an.

Cave God Temple view
Cave God Temple area

The Cave Gods Temple with above Plank Road on Cliff
The Cave Gods Temple with above Plank Road on Cliff

View of the Water Goddess Temple and Sky Bridge Are
View of the Water Goddess Temple and Sky Bridge Are

Marquis Pavillion at the entrance to Qixian Valley area
Marquis Pavillion at the entrance to Qixian Valley area

View of the Emperor Pavillion in Mianshan Dragon Head area
View of the Emperor Pavillion in Mianshan Dragon Head area

Cloud Road to The Heaven in Mianshan Scenic Area
Cloud Road to The Heaven in Mianshan Scenic Area

Daluo Temple
Daluo Temple in Mian Shan Scenic Area

Cloud Road to The Heaven
Thrilling Experience on Cloud Road to The Heaven

Breathtaking Cloud Road to the Heaven in Mian Shan Area
Breathtaking Cloud Road to the Heaven in Mian Shan Area

Five Dragon Temple
Five Dragon Temple in Mummy Temple Area

Universe Pagoda
Road to Universe Pagoda

Cave
Yuantong Cultivation Cave in Yunfeng Temple Area

PEK_8473w

Breathtaking views on the way to Universe Pagoda in Mianshan Scenic Area
Breathtaking views on the way to Universe Pagoda in Mianshan Scenic Area

Tassel Gate on the way to the Universe Pagoda in MianShan Scenic Area
Tassel Gate on the way to the Universe Pagoda in MianShan Scenic Area

Cave God Temple

Cloud Road to The Heaven in Mianshan Scenic Area
Cloud Road to The Heaven in Mianshan Scenic Area

Yunfeng Hotel, Cloud Rad to the Heaven and Yunfeng Tmple Area
Yunfeng Hotel, Cloud Rad to the Heaven and Yunfeng Tmple Area

Mianshan Dragon head Area

Mianshan experience is like a dream...dream of joy and happiness..
Mianshan experience is like a dream…dream of joy and happiness..

 

 

 

The Cave Gods Temple with above Plank Road on Cliff
The Cave Gods Temple with above Plank Road on Cliff

Mianshan experience is like a dream...dream of joy and happiness..
Mianshan experience is like a dream…dream of joy and happiness..

Zhujia Hollow Area Mian Shan
Zhujia Hollow Area in Mian Shan

Road to The Heaven in Mian Shan Scenic Area, Shanxi, China
Road to The Heaven in Mian Shan Scenic Area, Shanxi, China

Mian Shan road to The Heaven
Mian Shan road to The Heaven

Mian Shan
Road to The Heaven, Mian Shan Scenic Area

Luangong Cave
Luangong Cultivation Cave in Mian Shan

CHINA, traveling with children Part #1 Beijing

When I visited Qingdao, China on my first trip, right from the first day, I came up with ideahat I have to come again with my whole family. Children must see the different world, different culture and traditions,..show to them that not the whole world speak English…That there are places where you have to struggle with comprehention of foreign language.

Our trip to China was in November 2014. First of all, children are small enough, that in many placetickets either free, or half-priced, and also large enough to remember the trip and apreciate the excitement of travel.

We bought our airflight tickets, and booked hotels during the summer, when the prices were extremely low…Also, the High Travel season in China concidered in Spring and Autumn: August, September and October. We decided to travel in November, enjoying low volumes of tourists, while catching Indian Summer feel. Although Beijing weather was getting cold at nights, during the day it was just perfect, with clear bright skies, and no wind at all.

Traveling in Beijing is easy, inexpencive and fast.
Subway ssystem is clean,and  easy to navigate, almost everywhere signs in Pynyin, so it’s easy to comprehend. Beijing Subway system is fast and efficient , platforms are equipped with mostly glass walls, and gates to access the tracks, ensuring safety, that none will fall on tracks.

#1st Day

We hired a taxi (600-700RMB for round trip from downtown) to visit China Great Wall section at Mutianyu. If you want to take a skylift and on the way back toboggan, it’s better to take the furtherst skylift, so while on the wall hiking you will be decending to toboggan ride, and wouldn’t have to come back. Views at Mutianyu Great Wall were breathtaking, with clear sky and visibility to thousands kilometers…

  

   

We spent almost whole day at Mutianyu, enjoying panoramic views, and warmth of Autumn Sun,and tranquility of surrounding mountains.

One of the practicalities came up to my mind is to bring some snack, and a bottle of water with you on the wall, and keep yourself hydrated and energised, so you can enjoy more time on the wall.

#2nd day we visited Forbidden City and Wangfujing Street

Forbidden City is a must place to visit., although after first half an hour it’s boring to kids. We found the clock museum, with enormous collection of mechanical clocks from miniature to gigantic waterclocks, worth visitng to return an interest of kids.

Wangfuijing Street has an interesting part as Wangfujing Snak Street where you can encounter weird snacks, like fried scorpions, starfish, fried seahorse, lizards…

That evening we spent in Red Theatre, watching performance on Shaolin…Performance was well horeographed, and performed.

 

Our last day in Beijing we were busy visiting Temple of Heaven.

 

 

 

 

 

Point Yamu by COMO – A New Resort for Phuket Designed by Paola Navone – Opening November 2013

Como Hotels

Resort will be first in Thailand for COMO Hotels and Resorts outside Bangkok

Point Yamu by COMO, the new resort from COMO Hotels and Resorts designed by Paola Navone, will open in November this year.

Point Yamu is located on Cape Yamu, a peaceful peninsula on the east side of Phuket. The resort overlooks the limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and the Andaman Sea. The resort comprises 106 rooms and private villas, a 100m swimming pool, a COMO Shambhala Retreat with eight treatment rooms, including one beauty treatment room and yoga studio offering yoga, Pilates and Asian-inspired therapies, Italian and Thai restaurants and a child-friendly interactive learning area. Private residences with access to all Point Yamu’s facilities are also now available to purchase.

Point Yamu is COMO’s first resort in Thailand outside Bangkok and it is also the first property designed for COMO Hotels and Resorts by Italian design talent Paola Navone (Navone is also working on COMO’s first Stateside hotel, Metropolitan by COMO, Miami Beach, set to open in December this year.) At Point Yamu, the collaboration sees COMO’s signature clean lines and pared-back, contemporary style united with the Italian designer’s eclectic, colourful approach and the use of local materials. Guests can expect a dazzling palette of bright aquamarines and hot oranges, with Thai artisanal techniques such as traditional wood tiling and woven rattan adding texture. The ocean-facing, floor-to-ceiling windows in each room, offers spectacular views of the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea.

Cuisine, prepared in a wood-fired oven also plays a star role at Point Yamu, with the resort offering a range of options, including relaxed Italian cooking and locally caught seafood at ‘La Sirena’, and spicy southern Thai cooking at ‘Nahmyaa’. Healthy COMO Shambhala Cuisine, designed to maximise energy and wellbeing, can be enjoyed at The Central Bar, while private dining such as beach picnics and romantic sunset meals can be arranged in-room and at a number of special locations in and near to the resort.

Point Yamu’s COMO Shambhala Retreat is extensive, with a 100m swimming pool, yoga studio, a large gym and signature treatments such as the COMO Shambhala Massage and PURIFY holistic facial. For the more actively inclined, Point Yamu offers adventure with biking through nearby villages and plantations, snorkelling and diving off remote islands, all under the guidance of COMO’s expert, English-speaking guides.

Families will also find much to do at Point Yamu, with plenty of interconnecting rooms and suites as well as a dedicated children’s play area with daily interactive games and activities. Family excursions can also be organized to include a visit to a Gibbons sanctuary, elephant rides and other exciting educational visits. Baby-sitting and childminding services are also available.

At just 20 minutes by car from Phuket International Airport, Point Yamu will appeal to Asia-based couples and families seeking a short break to rejuvenate as well as long-haul guests looking for a comprehensive escape. It is also well located for combined stays with the Metropolitan by COMO, Bangkok.
About the COMO Group and COMO Hotels and Resorts
COMO Hotels and Resorts creates personalised luxury travel experiences in its Urban Hotels, Island Resorts, Adventure Retreats and Wellness Resorts – highlighting wellness, cuisine, adventure and culture, service and design – while always trying to uphold a strong, sustainable approach towards the people and places where we operate.

Founded by Christina Ong, COMO Hotels and Resorts develops and manages handpicked, individually curated properties: The Halkin by COMO in London, two Metropolitan by COMO hotels in London and Bangkok, Parrot Cay by COMO in the Turks and Caicos, Cocoa Island by COMO in the Maldives, and three Uma by COMO experience resorts in Bali and Bhutan. Point Yamu by COMO is a new property in Phuket, Thailand, opening 2013. The company also manages COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali in partnership with its sister brand in wellness, COMO Shambhala, which promotes health, relaxation and learning through its products, services, cuisine, treatments and spa facilities within each COMO property.

Tax Deductible Travel! Volunteer vacationing spots in the world!

Save Money with Tax Deductible Travel

Volunteer vacationers can get money back on project contribution costs


Online release with images: http://new.pitchengine.com/pitches/a794efb2-a0e4-4795-bbd4-5358e1ff4303

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, March 6 – Vacationers who thought certain destinations would be out of financial reach might want to investigate the tax deductions available with volunteer vacations. Travellers who participate in specific volunteer programs can deduct contributions and expenses on their tax return, making some of these projects up to 40% lower in cost than they might otherwise expect.

GoVoluntouring connects travellers to over 3,000 projects in over 100+ countries worldwide. Many of these programs are registered charities and not-for-profits that can issue tax receipts. For Canadians and Americans, this means a long list of projects where they can expect to receive a portion of their contributions and expenses returned as a tax deduction. Here is a selection of the projects partners offering possible tax benefits:

For Canadians:

Care for Cuba: http://goo.gl/RDrld

Get a chance to peer into the beauties, struggles, and determination of a society that has long been shrouded in mystery to many North Americans. This volunteer vacation program focuses on research and education, cultural awareness, and academics.

Help build a sustainable orphanage in Guatemala: http://goo.gl/WVgmi

Help build a village for orphaned and abandoned children. According to UNICEF, Guatemala is home to more than 340,000 orphaned and abandoned children. Extreme poverty is the main culprit for this situation, but there is something being done about it.

Fighting Poverty in India: http://goo.gl/I9181

Globe Aware works by providing support for teachers, working with rescued child laborers, and assisting at day care centers catering to children below the poverty line in Jaipur, India.

For Americans:

Sea Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica: http://goo.gl/07ZeZ

Imperiled by egg poaching, hunting, the lights of coastal development, and long line fishing practices, leatherback turtles are also under threat from climate change and ocean pollution.

On The Trail of the Giant Panda in China: http://goo.gl/C1hSr

The long-term aim of this project is to create healthy, self-sustaining wild panda populations through the release of captive giant pandas to strengthen small isolated populations of wild panda.

Expedition Vietnam: http://goo.gl/BdBhA

Volunteers will be engaged in a variety of projects, from teaching English, to the building of playgrounds and better homes, refurbishment of buildings for use as schools, as well as other infrastructure to help raise the standards of living throughout rural Vietnam.

GoVoluntouring recommends that all volunteers consult their personal tax advisor before making any decisions as tax regulations often change. For more information on the tax deductible projects visit: www.govoluntouring.com/tax-deductible-projects or call toll-free (Canada/USA) 1.888.988.7897

About GoVoluntouring: www.govoluntouring.com

Flight Centre’s responsible travel division, GoVoluntouring, is a leading online community for volunteers, overseas teachers, and learners abroad. Its unique search filters allow users to perform detailed and customizable searches from a huge database of projects and programs in over 110 countries around the world.

Hands-On volunteer travel project deals around the world!

Hands-On Time Travel

Dig into history with volunteer projects all over the world

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, February 26, 2012 – Help to unravel some of the world’s mysteries by assisting on archaeological sites where Roman soldiers, Mongolian warriors, and Rapanui sculptors once resided. Volunteers step back in time in spectacular locations whilst being guided by professionals in need of assistance. This is a hands-on way to help preserve vital cultural resources around the globe and learn more about ancient ways of life.

Discovering Italy’s Ancient Etruscan and Roman Coast http://goo.gl/l7Y0L

The ancient maritime settlement of Poggio del Molino is located in the heart of the former territory of Populonia, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. This excavation of the Etruscan coastal necropolis aims to fill key gaps in our knowledge of the industrial history and coastal economy, from the early Roman period to the Middle Ages. The project results will offer a profound understanding of the industrial aspects of Roman rule and exploitation. With treasure hunters, looters, and even development pressures threatening the integrity of the site, volunteer help is needed to secure the past before it is lost forever.

Origins of Angkor http://goo.gl/6exJR

The rural village of Ban Non Wat in Northeast Thailand is one of the most important sites for understanding indigenous societies ancestral to the Angkor Empire. Volunteers with Earthwatch will help to search for new prehistoric sites and identify the location of resources such as salt and potting clay. They will help reveal how Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Age peoples were affected by their environment, changing climates, the development of agriculture, technological advances, and by contact with those from other lands.

Digging for the Deep World of Devon’s Roman Ruins http://goo.gl/jZpgF

The discovery of this Romano-British settlement is of tremendous importance. The settlement is the largest discovered in the county to date and detected structures hint at native roundhouses, enclosures, and a Roman road. At present, there is nothing comparable to the site in Devon and research will significantly contribute to our understanding of life in the Romano-British world. Earthwatch volunteers will be the first to conduct fieldwork helping further understand the nature, date, and extent of the site.

Restoring Prehistoric Landscapes on Easter Island http://goo.gl/H488W

The massive stone sculptures that dot this remote Polynesian island have perplexed centuries of explorers. Earthwatch probes the past to discover what forces led to disastrous changes here in the 17th century, ending a millennium of peace and prosperity. Volunteers will work in a uniquely beautiful landscape, searching for prehistoric gardens, livestock enclosures, and agricultural fields. Under the gaze of the giant stone moai, they’ll conduct surface surveys, take photographs and GPS coordinates, measure stone features and dig test-pits in gardens to document the evolution of farming on the island.

Archaeology of the Mongolian Steppe http://goo.gl/A6ylc

Earthwatch is supporting archaeological and cultural investigations in the stunning Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, needed to ensure a holistic approach to managing the area. Volunteers will be surveying the landscape for significant archaeological and cultural resources such as burial cairns, steles and other commemorative monuments or markers, the remains of campsites and rudimentary structures, rock art, and other indications of the cultural history and vitality of the region. The goal of the project is to establish baseline data and is a remarkable opportunity to be involved in designing an ongoing archaeological investigation.

About GoVoluntouring: www.govoluntouring.com

Flight Centre’s responsible travel division, GoVoluntouring, is a leading online community for volunteers, overseas teachers, and learners abroad. Its unique search filters allow users to perform detailed and customizable searches from a huge database of projects and programs in over 110 countries around the world.

Thirty-One Days of Wellness.

Thirty-One Days of Wellness

Como Hotels

Join our leading wellness experts at Metropolitan by COMO, Bangkok during ‘Wellness Month’ in March

February 8, 2013 (Bangkok, TH) – Experts in ‘raw food,’ massage therapy and yoga will be on hand at COMO Shambhala Urban Escape throughout March as part of a dedicated ‘Wellness Month’ at Metropolitan by COMO, Bangkok. The schedule is open to both guests of the hotel, Bangkok residents and members of the spa.

Raw food specialist Diana Von Cranach, and the renowned musculo-skeletal therapist Rohan Quarry Day, are among the experts who will be resident with us throughout the month. They will be delivering a packed schedule of classes and sessions that will help clients share in their knowledge and expertise. Experts in yoga (including facial yoga) and Pilates will also be running special classes during the month.

Diana Von Cranach, who is widely acknowledged for her contribution towards the raw food movement, collaborates with COMO Shambhala regularly at Metropolitan, Bangkok and at COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali. Together with the hotel’s Executive Chef Chris Miller, Diana will be on hand to share her tips for getting the most out of raw cooking. Guests will be able to take part in a raw cooking class with a specific focus on Thai and Balinese menus. Diana’s delicious, enzyme-packed raw menu will also be available to order at the Metropolitan’s healthy glow restaurant. Diana Von Cranach said: “I am excited to work again with Chris Miller of glow restaurant – our collaboration will highlight the best of Asian cuisine via Living Foods, specifically Thai and Balinese flavours, all sourced from the freshest, local produce.”

Australian-born Rohan Quarry Day is the founder of Musculo-skeletal Deep Tissue Massage Therapy, a powerful combination of many different types of therapy, personally developed by Rohan after years of studying and working with a wide range of clients, to relieve symptoms of pain, stress and tiredness. His renowned hands-on healing therapy has won him a dedicated clientele all over the world, from stressed out executives to Olympic athletes. Rohan, a long-term collaborator with COMO Shambhala will be offering a number of one-to-one sessions at the Escape over selected dates.

Other special classes on offer will include:

  • Yoga for Urbanites: Yoga expert Shane Cox will show you how to de-stress your life through yoga.
  • Strengthening the Core through Pilates: This class is led by Pilates instructor Bell Suphatachaya Lattisophonkul.
  • Face Yoga with Chatrisa Srisarntiwong: This half-day workshop will show you how to tighten tone and combat the signs of ageing.

For a full calendar of what’s on during Wellness Month at COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, Bangkok, visit comohotels.com/metropolitanbangkok

Metropolitan by COMO, Bangkok

Metropolitan by COMO, Bangkok on South Sathorn Road enjoys close proximity to Bangkok’s urban nightlife as well as shopping and the city’s Sky Train. The 171 rooms and suites, defined by subtle contemporary design, offer cosseting luxury with attentive service. The Met Bar is a lively bar well known for its DJs and selection of martini cocktails. Australian chef David Thompson delivers award-winning Thai cooking at nahm restaurant whilst glow focuses on COMO Shambhala Cuisine—a nutritious, healthful menu. Relaxation is available at the hotel’s COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, comprising Asian-inspired treatments, a gym, yoga studio and 20m outdoor pool.

About the COMO Group and COMO Hotels and Resorts

COMO Hotels and Resorts creates personalised luxury travel experiences in its Urban Hotels, Island Resorts, Adventure Retreats and Wellness Resorts – highlighting wellness, cuisine, adventure and culture, service and design – while always trying to uphold a strong, sustainable approach towards the people and places where we operate.

Founded by Christina Ong, COMO Hotels and Resorts develops and manages handpicked, individually curated properties: The Halkin by COMO in London, two Metropolitan by COMO hotels in London and Bangkok, Parrot Cay by COMO in the Turks and Caicos, Cocoa Island by COMO in the Maldives, and three Uma by COMO experience resorts in Bali and Bhutan. Point Yamu by COMO is a new property in Phuket, Thailand, opening 2013. The company also manages COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali in partnership with its sister brand in wellness, COMO Shambhala, which promotes health, relaxation and learning through its products, services, cuisine, treatments and spa facilities within each COMO property.