Centara opens first stand-alone Spa Cenvaree in Goa
Jan 21st
| From Tour & Travel News Jan 20, 2012 | |
|
The spa features 13 spacious treatment rooms and a couple spa suite with private en-suite facilities including a sunken Jacuzzi, a nail and hair salon, a Zen garden with tranquil relaxation lounges, and a wide array of water facilities including Vichy rain shower, steam bath and hot air sauna. As the premier spa in the region, the menu treatments place great emphasis on the innate wisdom of the body and blending the finest elements of native herbs with massage to provide guests a unique Thai spa experience. Amongst the range of experiences is the Spa Cenvaree Signature massage which brings together a blend of Ayurvedic, Thai, Swedish, Shiatsu and reflexology techniques paired with medicinal heat compress, resulting in a ritual that harmonises the body’s energies. Other treatments on offer include Ayurveda healing, traditional Thai massage, hot-stone therapy and foot reflexology. For a more contemplative experience, guests may choose the multi-day spa retreats, focusing on detox, de-stress and emotional balance. Couples may share their experience in complete privacy with programmes personalised for him and for her. Seasonal therapies such as the Winter Recharge and Summer Best packages are created to counter the effects of seasonal change on the body, mind and spirit. As a post-treatment experience, guests are invited to relax in the Zen garden to sample a collection of fine Indian tea, brewed freshly with the finishing touch of local spices. Looking for a trip to India to experience Goa? Join the Ladies on the Go as we spend 23 days, November 6 to 30, 2012 exploring India. Spend two nights in Goa and indulge in the Spa Cenaree. Check here for tour details |
Centara Hotels & Resorts of Thailand will open its first stand-alone Spa Cenvaree during the first quarter of 2012, to be located at the Arcon Arcade in Goa, India.“Spa Cenvaree has been enormously successful in all of its in-hotel locations, and we are convinced this is the right time to introduce an independent branch,” says Gerd Steeb, president of Centara Hotels & Resorts. “Goa presents us with the perfect opportunity.” Located at the beach resort of Candolim, in northern Goa, the new Spa Cenvaree is set within the lifestyle and shopping complex of Arcon Arcade.Murphy’s Other Law
Jan 20th
- Everyone has a photographic memory. Some just don’t have any film.
- He who laughs last, thinks slowest.
- A day without sunshine is like, well, night.
- Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
- I just got lost in thought. It was unfamiliar territory.
- Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don’t.
- Despite the cost of living, have you noticed how it remains so popular?
- Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.
- It is hard to understand how a cemetery can raise its burial costs and blame it on the higher cost of living.
- The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there’s a 90% probability you’ll get it wrong.
- You can’t have everything. Where would you put it?
- Latest survey shows that 3 out of 4 people make up 75% of the world population.
- If the shoe fits, get another one just like it.
- The things that come to those that wait may be the things left by those who got there first.
- Flashlight: A case for holding dead batteries.
- A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well.
- I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it.
- Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.Having one of those days – dreaming of a holiday to Europe? Check out the RED HOT SPECIALS from Insight Vacations. Pick a tour and call 604-659-4176 or
1-877-659-4176 to turn that dream into a reality.
Just walk on by
Jan 19th
PASSENGER PRE CHECK
19 JAN 2012: Starting Wednesday, passengers boarding American Airlines flights could be steered into a fast lane which allows them to scoot quickly through security checkpoints at LAX with shoes, jackets and belts in place, and with computers tucked snugly in their bags. Pretty well most of the time, anyway.
In order to get this whiz-by service, participants of the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck programme must voluntarily agree to provide personal information and submit to background checks.
But in return for coughing up their details, these vetted travellers will have boarding passes marked with encrypted bar codes that allow the TSA to determine which passengers are eligible for expedited processing, and this lucky lot gets to bypass the usual irritating screening measures adopted over the past decade by the TSA.
Well, with one little caveat … while most participants of the PreCheck programme will pass through security lines with little hassle, the TSA intends to maintain a “random element” to the process.
So some poor brisk, confident, pre-approved travellers could strike out. They’d have to slip out of their Guccis and haul their laptops from their Targus bags, or get pulled aside for a secondary screening.
“It’s not an absolute that they will always breeze right through,” said TSA spokesman Nico Melendez. Nor should it be – but even believing that, I just know I’d be just a tad on the irritable side that I drew the short straw.
The free programme is aimed at expediting the screening process for frequent fliers while reducing long waits for other travellers.
“The screening approach is based primarily on the fact that the majority of airline passengers are low-risk,” Melendez said.
“The TSA has been undertaking efforts to focus our resources and improve the passenger experience by implementing new, risk-based security screening procedures.”
LAX is the sixth airport to join the PreCheck programme since it started in October, joining airports in Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit, Miami and Las Vegas.
The new trusted traveller programme is expected to roll out later this year to airports in Minneapolis, Salt Lake City and New York’s JFK.
So far, only American Airlines and Delta Air Lines have partnered with the TSA, but United Airlines and US Air are expected to join up later this year.
PreCheck has also now been expanded to include any passenger who holds Global Entry, SENTRI, or NEXUS approvals to enter the country.
“Passengers like it, airlines like it and we like it because it allows the TSA to concentrate on passengers who could be deemed more of a risk,” Melendez said.
One of the “One Thousand Places To See Before You Die”
Jan 15th
The Pushkar Camel Fair in India - November 2012
This fair is held at Pushkar town, 11 km from Ajmer in Rajasthan for twelve days annually. This cultural and trade cum religious fair is an attractive and lively spectacle with Rajasthani men and women in their colourful traditional attire, saffron-robed and ash smeared Sadhus (holy men) and thousands of bulls, cows, sheep, goats, horses and camels in richly decorated saddles. Perhaps the largest cattle fair in the world, it attracts more than one lakh people, and from all over Rajasthan as well as tourists from different parts of India and abroad.
Trading of cattle, camel races and dazzling displays of bangles, brassware, clothes, camel saddles and halters make the fair colourful. Necklaces of glass beads from Naguar, pottery, printed textiles from Jodhpur and Ajmer are all on sale here. Farmers, cattle traders and breeders buy and sell their animals, leather whips, saddles etc. There are facilities for camel rides also. This livestock fair coincides with the climaxing of a religious celebration. Pushkar is among the five main places of pilgrimage mentioned in the Hindu scriptures. It has a large number of temples including one of the only two temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in India. Hundreds of thousands of devotees take a ritual dip in the holy Pushkar lake on the day of the Kartik Purnima (full moon night of the Kartika month) and worship at the Brahma temple (Jagat Pita Shri Brahma Mandir). Pilgrims flock from all over India to be in Pushkar at this auspicious time. They also believe that all the 330 million Gods and Goddesses are present at Pushkar Lake during the occasion.
Apart from the religious rituals and trading, people participate in a number of cultural and sporting events. The sweeping expanse of the desert becomes dotted with thousands of camels, stalls and camping families. The Rajasthan tourism Development Corporation has taken adequate measures to facilitate convenient access of the fair site and to accommodate the fairgoers.
The Pushkar Fair is one of the many sights to be experienced on our Exotic India tour Nov 6 – Nov 30/12. To be a part of this small group, ladies only tour, call Travel Masters 604-659-4176 or 1-877-659-4176. Or email sharleen@ladiesonthego.ca.
Our home in Pushkar
The origin of camping in Royal Style can be traced to the battle times of Mughal ‘Emperor Jahangir’ who while visiting Kashmir on a pleasure trip, set up a full Royal Camp with paraphemelia for his comforts and entertainment. This tradition continued with Rajput rulers as well, for their hunting trips, outdoor evenings, marriage parties and Royal gatherings, where the folk dance performance, drinks and special meals on a Royal setting were provided. |
|||||
9 Destinations for 2012 -This Year’s Most Spectacular Destinations
Jan 12th
–written by Sarah Schlichter
For travelers, it’s the eternal question: Where will you go this year? To help you decide, we’ve rounded up nine amazing hot spots to visit in 2012, both far-flung and close to home. Some destinations are returning to the limelight after years off the tourist map; others are celebrating special anniversaries or hosting world-class events you won’t want to miss. Click on any image to start browsing — and dreaming of your next trip.
Call Travel Masters 604-659-4176 or 1-877-659-4176 to book to your holiday.
Check out a great Cuban Coach Tour
GREAT CANADIAN WAR MEMORIAL TOURS
Jan 11th
Tours depart April 4, June 4 or September 9, 2012
This is a Canadian tour, designed by Canadians, for Canadians, to pay tribute to all who served their country in battle and particularly to those who gave their lives. From Paris to London, visit the many museums, memorials and special sitesthat commemorate Canada’s contribution to the Great War and World War II including Canada’s most impressive tribute, the majestic and inspiring Canadian National Vimy Memorial which overlooks the Douai Plain from Hill 145, the highest point of Vimy Ridge. check out the full tour details and then call Travel Masters 604-659-4176 or 1-877-659-4176
All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.
Winston Churchill
Floriade on a 2 for 1 Europe River Cruise
Jan 8th
Have you thought of going to Floriade in 2012? The last Floriade was in 2002 and I was fortunate to visit. This is not just a flower show; it is a theatre in which you learn about nature and from nature. You realize how important flowers, plants, trees, vegetables and fruits are our daily life. And it only happens every 10 years – are you going to wait another 10 years
Floriade is a World Horticultural Expo held every ten years and visited by more than two million national and international visitors. Referred to as the “Theater of Nature,” this global spectacle, held only once every 10 years, has the world’s most exquisite and exceptional flowers, plants, trees, and more on display. There are five unique themed exhibits, each with its own décor, and cultural programs of music, dance, literature, theater, and visual art from all over the world.
There are five areas or worlds to explore:
Relax & Heal This world puts you in balance with nature in an Oriental setting. Healing herbs, tea rituals, a barefoot path and a spa-like ambience gives every visitor a special Yin-Yang experience. Experience the special energies of the Feel Good Garden. This is an energetic garden: it has been designed in the knowledge that energy and aura play a large part in determining the atmosphere of a garden. All the elements in the energetic garden are specially harmonized to make you feel good in it. You experience the natural balance as a zest for life; it makes you feel good again!
Green Engine -Nature and industry. Complete opposites, you might think. But as you’ll see here, they actually complement each other very well. Find out all about horticulture as a major economic engine. Designed specially for Floriade 2012, the ultra-sustainable Villa Flora is home to the biggest indoor flower show. Take part in an imaginary flower auction where you can bid on your own flowers. Or you can learn to make a stunning floral masterpiece. And why not plant a Dutch tulip as a permanent souvenir
Education & Innovation A world of clean lines and changing perspectives. Symbolic of the way we look at the future. Always from a different angle. As you walk around this area, you’ll understand how important it is to keep on learning and innovating. Be inspired by the impressive pavilions with their striking ideas and innovations. Taste unusual fruit and vegetable creations. Cook your own meal in a laboratory and go on a journey through the jungle greenhouse.
Environment Experience See how flowers, plants, trees, vegetables and fruit in your immediate environment can improve your daily life. Here you’ll find out about the importance of bringing green into the city; indoors and outdoors, at home and at work. After you arrive, an imposing avenue of trees guides you to the central square. In the dome of the Dutch horticultural sector you can watch a special virtual tour video that will take you through the world of Floriade. Outside you’ll wander through gardens designed by famous landscape architects and creative artists.
World Show Stage Get to know other cultures and immerse yourself in a colorful melting pot of art, culture and entertainment. You will find places on the boulevard where you can sample world foods and where you can enjoy an international program of entertainment in the spectacular amphitheatre. You’ll not only feel like a spectator but like a participant too.
So are you coming to Floriade in 2012? An easy way to combine Floriade with a holiday in Europe is to enjoy a leisurely cruise from Brussels to Prague. Spend 14 days cruising and 2 nights in Prague. This is an all-inclusive holiday – all meals, 18 shore excursions, complimentary fine wines, choice of beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner onboard. Enjoy one day at Floriade in Venlo.
Call 604-659-4176 or 1-877-659-4176 for information on 2 for 1 pricing on the June 17, and the June 29, 2012 departures. Looking to go solo – check out the June 17, 2012 departure where the single supplement is waived. Book now as the air rates have never been lower to Europe.
Travel Masters White Rock, 101 1647 140 St, White Rock, BC V4A4H1
Insight Announces Single Traveler Departures for 2012
Jan 1st
All Insight tours are popular with single travelers, but now they have designated a number of departures as singles traveler friendly (ST) to help identify travel dates that may especially suit solo travelers. Not only will the guaranteed twin-share help you avoid the single room supplement, but you’re also more likely to meet like-minded people as potential friends and travelling companions. Ask about Insight’s single share program and avoid the single supplement.
Single Traveler Tours:
Best of Britain – May 20 or August 07, 2012 (13 days)
This tour is brimming with sightseeing and interesting places to visit, covering the length and breadth of England, southern Scotland and Wales. Consequently, the tour pace is brisk, but this also means great value for money. The tour starts with two nights in London and ends with one night in London. Add extra nights in London to enhance your tour. Rate from $2657.00 land only
Elegance of Great Britain – July 9 or September 10, 2012 (15 days)
While you might not meet Mr Darcy on this tour, it certainly evokes a bygone age, imbued with archetypal villages, stately homes, historic castles and beautiful gardens. This tour features two-night stays throughout. In each overnight destination there are expertly planned day excursions, or city tours, with faboulous visits designed to showcase each region in depth. An engaging, yet balanced ititnerary. The tour starts and ends in London. Rate from $3375.00 land only.
Britain & Ireland Discovery – July 8 or September 11, 2012 ( 26 days)
A well paced tour with a blend of two-night stays in key cities plus the change of pace with two different Irish ferry crossings and pleasant driving days with frequent stops. Rate from $5550.00 land only. SPECIAL FOR APRIL26 DEPARTURE – SAVE $825.00PP – CHECK HERE
Focus on Ireland – May 26 or July 28, 2012 (9 days)
Well paced with three nights in Killarney, and overnight stays in Galway and Blarney. The driving days are of a reasonable lenght with senic stops offering photo opportunities. The tour starts and ends in Dublin. Rate from $2125.00 land only
European Spotlight – May 13 or September 2, 2012 (14 days)
The contrasts on this tour are remarkable, ranging from the low lying Netherlands to the Austrian High Alps and from the canals of Venice to the wide boulevards of Paris. This tour is moderately paced with two-night stays in the key cities of Amsterdam, Venice, Lucern and Paris, you have the choice of free time to relax or participating in optional excursions organised by your Tour Director. This tour starts in London and ends in Paris. Rate from $4035.00 land only.
Rome to London – May 11 or September 7, 2012 (10 days)
If you had to define Europe by just a handful of cities and sightseeing experiences, then look no further than this tour. This is your classic European itinerary. This dynamic tour showcases the historic and cultural variety of Europe in nine fabulous days. It’s vibrant, lively and feature packed. The historical centres of Florence, Rome and Venice means much of the sightseeing is done on foot, but afternoons are generally at leisure for you to explore at your own pace. Tour starts with two nights in Rome and ends in Paris or London. Rates from $3299.00 land only
Romantic European – June 7 or September 15, 2012 (23 days)
Your love affair begins in Bruges. Unleash your spirit of adventure in Prague. Fall under Vienna’s spell, before being swept off your feet in Venice. This is a well paced tour with two night stays in the eight key cities, allowing time for sightseeing, exploration at your own pace or optional excursions. Travelling days are well planned with plenty of stops for refreshment and photo opportunities. Tour starts in London and ends in Paris. Rate from $6350.00 land only.
Easy Pace Channel Islands – July 7 or August 3, 2012 (8 days)
The travel equivalent of a cosy fireside read! Enjoy the gentlr pace on this timeless outing as you wind your way across the islands, chatting with the locals and soaking up the charm. Three nights in Guernsey and three nights in Jersey. Rate from $2225.00 land only.
Normandy, Brittany & the Loire Valley – July 8 or August 3, 2012 (10 days)
Investigate Normandy’s role in two invasions that changed the course of history, one in 1066 and the other in 1944. Add also the châteaux of the Loire and glittering Paris. This is an evenly paced tour with two-night stays in St Malo, the Loire Valley and Paris, plus one overnight stay in seaside Trouville. Travelling days are jam packed with interesting stops and great photo opportunities. While other afternoons have been left free for you to explore at your own pace. The tour starts and ends in Paris. Rate from $2965.00 land only
Best of Spain & Portugal – May 11 or July 27, 2012 (16 days)
Combining some of Spain’s most popular attractions with the lesser known delights of Portugal, allowing for an insightful exploration of the Iberian Peninsula. This popular tour consists of a majority two-night stays allowing time in these cities to take it easy, if you wish. Driving days are not too long and with well planned stops. The tour starts in Madrid and ends Barcelona. Rate from $3375.00 land only.
Treasures of Spain, Portugal & Morocco – May 3 or August 2, 2012 (18 days)
A kaleidoscopic adventure that takes you from some of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities, to an exotic and vivid land of medinas and minarets. This tour moves at a comfortable, pace with two-night stays in five cities: Madrid, Lisbon, Seville, Fes and Marrakesh. The driving days are of a reasonable length with frequent stops. This tour starts and ends in Madrid. Rate from $3765.00 land only
Italian Intermezzo – May 18 or August 10, 2012 (9 days)
Italy’s three most famous and best loved cities reveal a treasure-trove of riches on this concise yet surprisingly diverse and delightful itinerary. This is an evenly paced tour with two-night stays in Rome, Venice and Florence, allowing time for sightseeing and people-watching from the comfort of sidewalk cafés. The driving days are of a reasonable length with frequent stops for rest and photo opportunities. Tour starts and ends in Rome. Rate from $2585.00 land only.
Treasures of Italy – May 6 or July 26, 2012(12 days)
This tour certainly ticks a lot of boxes! Historic cities, idyllic fishing villages, islands, lakes, canals, a wealth of art and heritage buildings, not to mention the fabulous food, all complemented by a backdrop of breathtaking sceneryThis tour moderately paced – expertly planned with just the right combination of touring, sightseeing and leisure time. Use the free time to relax and soak up the atmosphere or, if you wish, add optional components to maximise your time in Italy. Tour starts in Rome and ends in Venice. Rate from $3985.00 land only. check here for full tour details
Country Roads of Southern Italy & Sicily – July 6 or September 7, 2012 (14 days)
This tour explores the unique ‘trulli’ houses of Alberobello and Sassi di Matera, complemented by the rich Greek, Roman and Norman heritage of Sicily. Lunch at Il Riccio on Capri caps it offAn evenly paced tour. Enjoy two-night stays in Alberobello, Palermo and the Bay of Naples, plus three exceptional nights in the popular resort of Taormina Mare. Tour starts and ends in Rome. Rate from $3475.00 land only.
Country Roads of Switzerland – May 19 or September 22, 2012 (15 days)
Well paced tour with three nights in Montreux, two-night stays in most of the other cities and no excessively long driving days. There is also the added bonus of travelling on the Glacier Express train to admire the scenery from a completely different perspective, with yet more wonderful photo opportunities. tour starts and ends in Zurich. Rate from $4950.00 land only.
Eastern Rhapsody – June 8 or September 7, 2012 (12 days)From the bath houses of Budapest to the canals of Venice, venture through a diverse scenic landscape of lakes, mountains and islands, where the cultural traditions of Eastern and Central Europe, mix with the Mediterranean. With two-night stays throughout, your rhapsody has a wonderful rhythm. Comfortable touring days are augmented with interesting stops. The following mornings are more leisurely, beginning with a sightseeing tour to get you acquainted with the city and then free time to do as you please. Tour starts in Budapest and ends in Venice. Rate from $3199.00 land only.
Country Roads of Dalmatia & the Adriatic Coast – May 12 or July 7, 2012 (16 days)
Join those in the know who are heading for the sun drenched islands of Dalmatia. Enjoy elegant cities, pristine wilderness, Roman remains, great food and scenery galore. A well balanced tour with two-night stays in Budapest, Zagreb, Ljubljana and an exceptional 3 nights in the “Adriatic gem” of Dubrovnik. While the scenic driving days offer frequent stops for refreshments and photos. Tour starts and ends in Vienna. Rate from $3650.00 land only.
Easy Pace Russia – July 7 or September 1, 2012 (9 days)
From the grand baroque of St Petersburg to Moscow’s iconic treasures, Russia is an enigma that just has to be sampled by any serious traveller! This leisurely tour reveals all the main highlights of Russia’s two imperial cities. But being ‘Easy Pace’ it also provides plenty of opportunity for you to explore the onion-domed cathedrals, majestic palaces and fantastic museums at your own pace. Start from four nights in St Petersburg and end with three nights in Moscow. Rate from $2675.00 land only.
Grand Tour of Scandinavia – May 19 or July 21, 2012 (21 days)
Sail the brackish Baltic Sea, cross rolling tundra and glassy fjords on your search for the Midnight Sun, all the while enjoying the local culture, history and pristine scenery. This tour is well paced with two night stays in Copenhagen, Rovaniemi, Narvik, Geiranger and Oslo; there are one-night stays in the more northern regions. Magnificent driving days offer frequent stops for refreshments & photo opportunities. Tour starts in Copenhagen and ends Oslo. Rate from$5975.00 land only. check here for full tour details
Glories of Greece – May 25 or July 23, 2012 (8 days)
A classic journey back to the 5th Century BC, when the Athenians erected the Parthenon, Delphi was in its heyday and the games at Olympia was the talk of the Mediterranean. A classic journey back to the 5th Century BC, when the Athenians erected the Parthenon, Delphi was in its heyday and the games at Olympia was the talk of the Mediterranean. This feature packed tour of mainland Greece is well paced and expertly planned. In fact, it is so successful that it has operated, due to popular demand, for over 20 years. Tour starts and ends in Athens. Rate from $1875.00 land only.
Choose a tour and call 604-659-4176 or 1-800-659-4176 to book your Insight Vacation
NEW TRAIL IN ISRAEL: IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS
Dec 20th
Israel carries a very deep religious significance for Christians; several million tourists come there to honor that heritage every year. The new Gospel Trail will take the pilgrims in Jesus’s footsteps. Read the full story