Saturday, June 28, 2008

Egypt Resorts And Attractions

by: Constance Blair


If you make a decision to spend your vacation in Egypt, usually you have a choice of two sea resorts – Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh. They both are very popular, but Hurghada is situated in African continent while Sharm El Sheikh lies on Sinai peninsula.

About 30 years ago Hurghada was just a simple fishing village. But now, with it's a resort with crystal clear water, untouched reefs. It has become one of the best Egyptian tourist destinations. A significant part of its fame Hurghada gained as one of the best diving centres of the world. Like all oriental cities Hurghada make living out of trade, so if when you walk along the city, be ready to beat off the pressing offers of the sellers, deserving to make you buy their souvenirs. There are some more entertainments except shopping and diving in Hurghada. You can make a jeep trip to a desert, visit Bedouin’s village there; you can see corals and some natural preserves. Hurghada is also has aqua-park. Fishing is one of the popular tourist’s activities in Hurghada too. Today, Hurghada is known as a party town, particularly among Europeans. Locals and others will tell you that life begins at night in Hurghada, with the many, many clubs.

The best time to visit Hurghada is October-November. In winter there are strong winds and it becomes dark very early.

When you are in Hurghada don’t miss the chance to see one of the most outstanding monuments of Egypt history – Luxor and the Valley of the King. Pharaoh’s tombs and ancient temples are worth visiting.

Sharm el-Sheikh is one of the most accessible and developed tourist resort communities on the Sinai peninsula. All around are Bedouins, colorful tents, mountains and sea. Na'ama Beach is one of the center of the tourist activities. Located just north of Sharm, this area is developing into a resort town of its own. For those who like shopping, the Sharm El-Sheikh mall provides shops with both foreign and local products, including jewelry, leather goods, clothing, pottery and books. Nobody leaves Sharm el-Sheikh without several useless but very pleasant souvenirs. Like Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh is famous for diving too, but it has more diversity in corals.

Those, who choose Sharm el-Sheikh also has opportunity to watch the attraction of Sinai peninsula - The Monastery of St Catherine, Mount Sinai (or Mountain of Moses), Pharaoh's Island and Salah El Din Citadel, Nabq National Park, Ras Abu Galum National Park and so-called 'Coloured Canyon'.

The last but not the least of the Egypt must-sees is Cairo with its pyramids. From either Hurghada or Sharm El-Sheikh it will be a long trip, but you will never regret it!

When you going to Egypt, be aware that 3-star hotels in Egypt have nothing to do with 3-star hotels in Europe. So, it’s better to choose 4 or 5 star hotel. Probably it saves you from many inconveniences. Often, the large hotels have zoos, playgrounds, discos, bars, a number of pools and even small theaters. So, may be you will to want to leave your hotel.

Anyway, a trip to Egypt promises to be exotic and interesting expierence.

About The Author

Constance Blair

For booking a hotel in any part of the world, please, go to http://www.hotelsrates.net/.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Island Vacations In Africa's Tropical Destinations

by: Aimee C. Barnard

When it comes to island vacations, Africa is one great destination for some of the most luxurious hideaways.

This is no surprise. Blessed with pristine white sand beaches, private islands, and rich marine life, many resorts already have the perfect setting for great tropical island getaways.

If you want to stay in one of the most luxurious tropical resorts in Africa during your island holidays, you might be interested in checking out the following hotels which offer great amenities, romantic villas and suites, and 5 star world class service fit for the perfect island vacations.

St Anne Resort, Seychelles

St Anne Resort is luxury accommodation on its own island which is surrounded by a protected marine park. It is only about 15 minutes by boat from Mahe, the capital.

This tropical resort in the Indian ocean belongs to Beachcomber hotels which is one of the leading providers for luxury accommodation in Africa.

St Anne’s Resort has 87 villas set amidst tropical surroundings. It has its own private garden that leads to the beach and its own gazebo to lounge in and spend romantic evenings and days at. It is also well known for its exceptional Spa by Clarins.

With a protected marine park around it, it is not only great for swimming and lazing by the beach but there’s also excellent underwater marine life to explore. The island itself is also host to a range of flora and fauna which you can see if you’ve had enough of the white sand beach and the clean aquamarine sea.

Fundu Lagoon Luxury Resort, on Pemba Island ( Zanzibar’s sister island )

With only sixteen bungalows, this tropical island resort is one of Africa’s most exclusive accommodation made for romantic and quiet holidays.

Set on an idyllic beach on Pemba island, 40 kilometers north of Zanzibar, it is accessible by boat or chartered flights from Zanzibar or Dar Es Salaam.

Simple yet elegant, all the bungalows have thatched roofs and have either an ocean view, or are oceanfront. There are also bungalows set in a very secluded tropical jungle setting for those who want time and space only for themselves. For even more luxurious accommodation, some of these bungalows have a private plunge pool.

Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius

If tropical resorts can be breathtaking, Le Prince Maurice accurately fits the bill. From its lush gardens to its impeccable architecture and charm, staying in this resort is an experience in itself.

Overlooking a lagoon and barrier reef, the resort is set on 60 acres of land. There are over 89 suites which are artistically set over it’s very private resort setting. Choose from the one-bedroom junior suites to the senior and princely suites which have private swimming pools.

Le Prince Maurice is undoubtedly one of Mauritius’s best 5 star luxury resorts for great island vacations, not only for its great setting and elegant accommodation, but also for the various activities which you can enjoy here.

It has very easy access to two world class golf courses and there are also many land and water sport opportunities for more active guests.

The Residence Tunisia

If you’re looking for luxury resort accommodation in Tunisia, The Residence, which is the country’s first 5 star hotel is the only place to go.

The rooms are designed in rather dramatic North African architecture and have marble floors, dome ceilings and an elegant décor.

The Residence easily fits the needs of all kinds of guests. From couples on holidays, to people who want to get away, and even for families spending a vacation together.

This is best exemplified by its wide range of facilities ranging from a relaxing massage centre and spa to a children’s playground and swimming pool.

About The Author

Aimee C. Barnard lives for tropical holidays under the sun. To read more about her travel experiences and island getaway tips, go to http://www.tropical-island-vacation.net/index.html