Thursday, September 3, 2009

Green Monkey Golf Course


The Sandy Lane Resort, located in St. James on the western coast of Barbados, has served as an exclusive getaway for celebrities and discerning personalities since it opened in 1961. It has also been busy accepting accolades from guests and travel industry critics alike. Once you get to Sandy Lane resort you will know why. Its 112 luxurious rooms and suites are set along the Caribbean Sea, and the attractive ambiance between the resort's facilities and the natural beauty of the area have coupled to make Sandy Lane resort one of the premier addresses in all of the Caribbean. Ever since the opening of Sandy Lane Barbados resorts have had a standard to compare themselves with. There is nothing you won't find here when looking for the ideal place for a Caribbean vacation. While Sandy Lane resort and its secluded locale offer a tantalizing getaway for couples and families, it also has become quite the destination for golfers. The resort features three golf courses, with the recently opened Green Monkey golf course leading the way in excellence.

The Green Monkey golf course is part of Sandy Lane's $300 million plus renovation project, $25 million of which went into the course's construction. The course was designed by Tom Fazio, one of the top golf course designers in the world, and it has significantly helped Barbados establish itself among other Caribbean golf destinations such as the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Several first attempts to open the Green Monkey golf course were delayed by Sandy Lane's owners, who were bent on presenting the course in all its possible splendor. For those who are fortunate enough to play a round at Green Monkey, the experience is hard to beat. The first eight holes of the Green Monkey golf course slowly work from a relatively benign first hole into the more drama-filled abandoned quarry. Besides the quarry walls, reaching almost 90 feet high, golfers will enjoy views of the Caribbean Sea throughout their 18-hole journey. Generously wide fairways make for nice shots off the tee, but by no means is Green Monkey golf easy. The greens can be quite complex, and depending on which tees you select, the course could run from 5,410 yards to a long 7,389. Among the Green Monkey golf course's visually pleasing holes is the picturesque par three 16th. An accurate shot down into the quarry will be needed here, or else you might just end up in the green-surrounding bunker. You just might land your shot on the bunker's grass island, which has been shaped like a Barbados green monkey.

The Green Monkey golf course offers five par 5 holes on its card, which could be a reason Tiger Woods likes it so much. In 2004, Tiger Woods, who is a friend of the owners, chose the Green Monkey golf course as the site for his wedding. If you are a soon to be married golf enthusiast looking to mix the ultimate in relaxation and the best in golf, you might consider having your Caribbean wedding at Sandy Lane resort. Although you probably can't hit 300-yard plus drives like Tiger, you can share the same wedding venue. While Green Monkey golf continues to attract professional and amateur players alike, you'll have to be a guest of the Sandy Lane resort to gain access to the course. Whereas this has disappointed those who had hoped the course would be open to the public, it provides the mean's by which Sandy Lane resort can attract golf vacationers to its famed premises.

A round of Green Monkey golf is certainly going to cost you, as the lowest rates you will find at Sandy Lane resort start at $950 a night. That's just the cost for the most modest accommodations during the off-season. As the prices work their way up through the chain of available lodging selections, you can pay up to $25,000 a night for a Villa at Sandy Lane during the peak weeks of mid-December to early January, making Sandy Lane one of the most exclusive Barbados hotels and overall vacation destinations. To play the Green Monkey golf course, you will have to shell out an additional $375, leaving you in a pretty exclusive club. The resort only plans for around 3,000-4,000 rounds to be played at Green Monkey each year, ensuring the course will stay in immaculate condition. The clubhouse is a remarkable venue, complete with the most ideal changing rooms and clubhouse atmosphere. If you need to rent clubs for your Green Monkey golf round, you can pay $65 for Callaway rentals, and you can also rent shoes for $20. There are two other golf courses found at Sandy Lane resort and both are open to players not staying at the Sandy Lane Resort. They are the nine-hole Old 9 course, and the 18-hole Country Club course. In 2006, the Country Club course hosted a World Golf Championship, and hopes are that the Green Monkey golf course will soon figure in among selected venues for professional golf tournaments. At just over 6 miles from the Barbados capital of Bridgetown, the Green Monkey golf course at Sandy Lane resort is an easy find once arriving on the island. The resort's facilities and overall amenities will keep each member of your group satisfied, whether they come to golf or not.

beach hotels in barbados


Visitors to Barbados often immerse themselves in one of two areas on the island: the chic, busy southern coast or the shimmering west coast. Barbados luxury hotels are everywhere though, even on the less visited areas. The island has no concern for price - it"s assumed if you are entering the island, you have plenty of money to throw around. Though the most expensive hotels in Barbados are along the west, you"re never going to be far from the action, no matter where you stay.

The list of Barbados villas is almost as long as the one for the hotels. Better for those who are looking for an extended stay on the island - they are also popular with the many surfers and families that vacation here. Barbados villas are mostly located on the southern coast, in the Hastings-Worthing area, or even a little further north, towards the capital of Bridgetown. The west coast is mostly made up of giant Barbados luxury hotels or an ever-increasing number of time-shares. Hence, what villas you will find for rent are likely to be a short jaunt away from the beach.

The southern coast is where the young and trendy go to hang out. Equipped with enough bars to empty a rum distillery, the St. Lawrence Gap is also a great place to find slightly less expensive hotels (it is also home to most of the island"s hostels, though even those are pricey, relatively speaking). The Casuarina Beach Club is an apartment hotel that it is all peace and quiet during the day and just a short walk to the restaurants, shopping and nightlife that make the area such a draw for tourists. Here you will find a number of resorts, both regular and all-inclusive, amongst the hotels in Barbados.

The Hastings-Worthing area is just as exciting, with the Accra Beach Hotel and the Savannah at your disposal. These are geared a little more towards independent travelers, as they are just as close to the beaches and nightlife as they are historic areas, museums and other entertainment. All along Accra beach and the neighboring Sandy Beach, you will find many of the most competitively priced hotels in Barbados.

The west coast, particularly around Holetown, has more of the traditional Barbados luxury hotels and resorts. If the title has "Almond Beach" in it, you know you are set for a decadent vacation on one of the premier beaches on the island. But pretty much anything along Paynes Bay will be of the same high quality - including the Mediterranean-influenced Tamarind Cove Hotel, or the enigmatic beach sanctuary known only as "The House."

The east coast is the best for Barbados surf hotels. The rougher Atlantic waters are perfect for those who want to catch a wave while on vacation. Luckily for them, the east coast is less crowded, at least during the summer. Because the majority of visitors here are more interested in how the water is than what"s in their hotel room, there are a number of deals to be found here, mainly on simple Barbados villas that do little more than give you a bed and a place to store your surfboard.

beach hotels in aruba


Aruba has a warranted reputation of being one of the party capitals of the Caribbean region. Along with Puerto Rico, Jamaica and Antigua, there"s usually something for you to do at any time of night. Aruba also has a reputation for lavish accommodations. This reputation is equally warranted. The southwest coast is where it's at - two main boulevards house a ridiculous concentration of the resorts in Aruba, the more posh ones lying the further you get from the main city of Oranjestad.

L.G. Smith Boulevard is the cheaper of the two, and runs through the heart of Oranjestad. Many of the resorts in Aruba that you find here conform to the same description: spacious rooms, high prices, beachside bars and a million other vacationers to share your accommodations with. It's not that you have much choice, though. Aruba is a resort island - there's just not enough space for a lot of hotels in Aruba too. There are some, obviously, but most visitors head to Aruba with the images of posh resorts in their eyes. But there are few all-inclusive resorts in Aruba, meaning that you have to be careful when you think you"ve found a deal at one of the Aruba resorts that claim low prices - everything you want will be extra. The other thing that is everywhere along the boulevard are combination Aruba resorts and casinos. If you are staying at a resort, there's a good chance there's a thriving casino attached. Nightlife revolves heavily around dancing and gambling, which is why wave after wave of spring breakers hit the island's shores every year. The Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino is one of the nicest you'll find, with the added bonus of being located almost directly in downtown Oranjestad.

But that is nothing compared to what you'll find on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard. Like a Caribbean Las Vegas, but with more bikinis, this street is just waiting to assist you with stimulus overload. It"s this street that defines the island, for better or worse. The Aruba resorts and casinos seem to stretch into the ocean and past the breakers. Here you will also find the handful of thriving all-inclusive Aruba resorts, such as the Tamarijn and the Divi.

If you are dead set on avoiding the resorts and staying in one of the few hotels in Aruba, you have your work cut out for you. There are only a few and they are often booked well ahead of time. The MVC Eagle Beach is one of the few that has been allowed to coexist on the beach with all the resorts. Since those establishments steal all the glamour and fashion from the island, the hotels in Aruba don't often bother trying to keep up. If you really want to stay away from Aruba"s main drag, try the Vistalmar, just south of Oranjestad. Free snorkel gear and breakfast almost make up for its distended location, and many visitors prefer it that way.

hotels in cayman island


Year after year, millions flock to the small, picturesque islands of the Caribbean. World-renowned for their laid-back, affable ways, travel to the Caribbean is for those who want to make a point of taking it easy. Mile after mile of bleach-white sand leads to the ethereal blue waters that make the region famous. The ubiquitous presence of fruity rum drinks doesn't hurt, either. Return visitors are common here, and there's no mystery why. Besides, Caribbean travel offers so many different kinds of culture and history that one trip is not enough to see it all. Many go to Jamaica, but no further. Others choose the Cayman Islands. But every island has such a fiercely unique identity that is hard to see just one - the experiences you have on Aruba, are going to be far different than if you visit Guadeloupe.

There are three main regions of the Caribbean. The first are the Greater Antilles, home to Cuba, Jamaica and Puerto Rico, amongst others. Caribbean Island vacations that include these countries (with the notable exception of Cuba) often find a strong American influence. Whether that is a selling point or not is for the individual to judge.

The Lesser Antilles are comparatively small in size, but the sheer amount of islands make it the bulk of the Caribbean arc. Here, the most popular destinations for travel to the Caribbean are the Virgin Islands, Antigua and St. Martin. The final group, the Windward and Southern Islands are the most diverse group for Caribbean travel - you can stay on relatively untouched islands such as St. Lucia or Dominica (where the Pirates of the Carribean was filmed) that remain natural wonders in the face of Caribbean overdevelopment, or you can stay somewhere that has the soft touch of familiarity, such as the always popular Aruba.

A large percentage of tourists come to the islands having purchased Caribbean vacation packages. And while these are easily the best and comfortable, allowing you to take in the luxury of the coral reefs and palm trees, there are many different types of ways to enjoy the islands. The most ambitious, if not popular, approach to Caribbean travel is to get an airpass granting unlimited travel for a selected period of time (usually a month). This way you are free to see a number of islands on one trip. Tired of St. Lucia? Hop a 20 minute plane ride over to Barbados. Or try to get to Trinidad for carnival. Stay a few days on Martinique, and see what Paris would look like if it were located on a sun-kissed beach and it was 80 degrees everyday. Or fly to the British Virgin Islands and escape onto deserted coves where you won't see another human for days.

Long the home of bitter battles and famous pirates, Caribbean island vacations are surpirisngly complex when it comes to rich history and cultural milestones. See the remainder of the Carib Indian lands (for whom the islands are named) or the cave-drawing and ancient landmarks of the peaceful Arawaks for a real look into the past. For years England, Spain, France, Denmark and the Netherlands fought for control of the Caribbean - often resluting in a fascinating combination of cultures on a single island, a rich mixture that only became more mysterious with the addition of the many African tribal traditions that came across the Atlantic as a result of the slave trade.

Travel to the Caribbean doesn't come without a price, however. Those looking for discount Caribbean island vacations have their work cut out for them. But that doesn't mean it's impossible, and if you can avoid the overpriced resorts and restaurants catering primarily to tourists, your dollar can be stretched a lot farther than many would have you believe.

haitian hotels


For low prices and casual resorts, Haiti is the place to go. The stigma attached to Haitian travel is, unfortunately, still there, and the country barely exists as a tourist destination. Regardless of the many hotels in Haiti, many of them are criminally underbooked, many of the beaches go unvisited. The social inequality is appalling, yes, but it is also a land of beauty and mystery. Unfortunately, it is only the former that many countries see when footage of Haiti comes on television.

While many prefer to stay away from the urban setting of Port-au-Prince, those who want to get real insight into Haitian culture will choose its humble array of lodgings. The vicinity of the slums are certainly off-putting, but it is also near many Haiti attractions. Located on the bay, the capital city is a sweeping metropolis that spreads across the Cul-de-Sac Plain to the foothills of the Massif de la Salle. The Hotel Oloffson was once one of the best Haiti hotels, though more elegant models have cropped up since its inception over 20 years ago. Staying here will grant you with access to the Haiti attractions such as Fort Jacques, an ancient fort that bestows guests with unmatched views of the harbor.

One of Haiti's most affluent areas is Petionville. Situated on a serene hillside overlooking the capital, Petionville is the epicenter for restaurants, art galleries and hotels in Haiti. The Kinam Hotel is here, and unlike some of the downtown areas of the city, you are perfectly safe to stroll around at night. Within walking distance are some of the finest Haiti attractions, making this one of the few areas where Haitian tourism thrives. The Hotels El Rancho and Montana are other coveted Haiti hotels.

Although most travelers head to the mountains when on the island, Haiti beaches are quite underrated. One of the most popular Haiti hotels is the Kaliko Beach Club. Though about an hour's drive from the downtown area, it is still considered part of Port-au-Prince. But it looks nothing like it. The black sand beaches and general atmosphere is more like the luxurious Caribbean resorts on other islands – a far cry from what many might expect in this country.

While most of the hotels in Haiti are on the outskirts of the capital city, the island's northern Atlantic coast is growing as a tourist destination too, albeit slowly. Near Cap Haitien, you will find the Citadel, a gigantic fortress built after the country freed itself from French rule. An attempt by the island's first king to build a palace that would rival Versailles, those lucky enough to find a room nearby will be treated to incredible views of the towering structure.

st lucia hotel



Though the island is mostly famous for its sophisticated resorts, there are quite a few hotels in St. Lucia that live up to the same high standards. The island's predilection for all-inclusive St. Lucia resorts – almost all located directly on the beach – means that many of the hotels and villas are not on the water. But what you can afford on St. Lucia is the key – this is definitely not one of the cheaper islands in the Caribbean.

The majority of St. Lucia resorts are in three areas: Rodney Bay, Castries and Soufriere, all on the Caribbean side of the island. The rest of St. Lucia is bathed in mountains and forests – where lodgings are sparsely found, though the city of Vieux Fort on the southern tip has a few to offer. The Coconut Bay Resort St. Lucia has been the heart of many a vacation and honeymoon, but most of the St. Lucia hotels are by the airport, however, and not on the beach.

Of the three main areas, Castries is the most popular place to find villas or hotels in St. Lucia. Far more developed than most of the island, Castries is home to everything that makes St. Lucia so enticing: the beaches, the shopping, the fine rum and the shadows of nature resting in the background. Regardless, many still prefer to stay at one of the posh St. Lucia resorts found here, such as Rendezvous (for couples only) or the Sandals Regency, a resort chain that has spread itself all across the shores of the Caribbean islands.

Rodney Bay is near the north tip, and here you'll find the closest thing to cheap St. Lucia hotels and resorts as you can hope for. The best value is the Caribbean Jewel Beach Resort – just up the hill from the bay. The Reduit Beach area is home to most of these bargain lodgings. The Bay Gardens hotel is probably the best bet for independent, budget conscious travelers, as long as you don't mind sharing your hotel with a large contingent of business people incongruously wearing suits and slacks in a beautiful beach locale.

Soufriere is by far the most traditional and likable setting on St. Lucia. The locals invariably consider Soufriere the best the island has to offer – the cultural center, and surrounded by the tropical Piton peaks and cobalt waters. Resorts and hotels in St. Lucia don't get much better than those at the bottom of Petit Piton. The Stonefield Estate is especially popular, as is the Hummingbird Beach resort which can look out into Soufriere Harbor or the Pitons, as you request. The Ladera is one of the most charming St. Lucia hotels and is located just a couple miles south of Soufriere, and is adjacent to Dasheene, St. Lucia"s most elegant restaurant.

Antigua hotels resorts


When you see the image of a stereotypically lush Caribbean resort on TV or a postcard, you are probably looking at a picture of an Antigua resort. As the years pass, more and more have found their way to the island – crowding around the healthy amount of villas and hotels in Antigua that have been there for years. But with so many beaches on the island, it"s not like you"ll be hard pressed to find the bright sand, regardless of where you choose to stay. Even so, there are a handful of ultra-exclusive Antigua resorts sequestered so far away that they can exist only as all-inclusive choices for the package tour traveler.

In fact, Antigua's nature is to market to a mainstream crowd – thus the all-inclusive resorts in the heavily populated areas are some of the most popular in all of the Caribbean. Thus, many are chain resorts (such as Sandals) offering deluxe grounds that ensure that you see as little of the island as possible. Ideal for honeymoons, family vacations or when traveling with large groups, these people often head to the southern coast, where they effortlessly intermix with the yachting crowd that calls the area home.

For most, however, the western coast of the island is where to stay. The main city of St. John has everything that the Caribbean is famous for – you can play on the beach all day and in the clubs all night. From surfing to clubhopping, the west coast has it all. The most popular resorts and hotels in Antigua curl out from St. John, reaching Dickenson Bay, Runaway Beach and Five Islands Harbor. You can hardly go wrong in this area, but Coco Bay, the Siboney Beach Club and Sunsail Club Colonna have been getting the job done for years. Many choose to stay at Antigua villas, and St. John doesn't disappoint there either. The Dickenson Bay cottages are one of the most affordable, but you have to be prepared to share your lodgings with many neighboring children. For whatever reason, families seem to stake out these Antigua villas.

Jolly Harbor, south of St. John and Hawksbill's beaches, is the other popular place to stay. The Harbor, along with Darkwood Beach and Johnson"s Point have attempted to wrest the title of island party capital from St. John. They have failed, but their attempts are laudable anyway, and make the area an entertaining section to stay in. As far as Antigua villas, the finest are found here, just off the harbor. Here you will also find the largest Antigua resort, the Jolly Beach Resort. What it lacks in personality it more than makes up for with a location on a stunning beach. You will find a wide range of travelers here too, those who have been put off by the pretentiousness of so many of the other resorts and hotels in Antigua.

Every beach, every cove and every harbor tend to have lodging options aplenty - from quaint beachside inns to large-scale luxury resorts, mid-size hotels to hilltop villas overlooking the vast Antigua beaches. The hardest part is choosing which one fits you best.

Hotels in Anguilla


Anguilla is pretty easy to get acclimated to, accommodation wise: your either is a huge, ornate Anguilla resort, or in a quaint little beach houses and villas. Some of the resorts and hotels in Anguilla are strangely colored and surprisingly crafted – the burgeoning tourist industry has tried to model its lodgings after a wide range of global styles – Moroccan architecture interweaves with buildings that you'd expect to see in a Miami Vice repeat. One example is the Fountain Beach Hotel Anguilla, which is small and overwhelmingly pink. Even though it seems like a desperate cry for attention from tourists, the immaculately maintained hotel is right on the shore of the island"s famous Shoal Bay Beach and offers marble tiles and perfect access to the Caribbean's turquoise waves.

Moorish stylings are on display at the Anguilla resort of Cap Juluca. The food is excellent and the occasional celebrity makes their way past the poetic whitewashed domes that mark the resort"s picturesque epicenter. Private verandas and intimate rooms make this Anguilla resort a popular honeymoon destination. The Frangipani Beach Club is another bright pink example of funky Anguillan architecture, located on Meads Bay in the southwestern corner of the island. Though technically a resort, there are many different lodging options, thus joining together the resort crowd with a few less wealthy travelers.

The other option for tourists are Anguilla villas. These can run the gamut from high class apartments to small spaces right on the beach. Blue Waters are an example of the former. On Shoal Bay West, surrounded by palms and featuring private patios and balconies, these Anguilla villas share a beach with one of the island's fine resorts, Covecastles. Some visitors may even be joined by the area's amiable goat population, who regard most travelers as mobile feeding stations. Another fine choice for an Anguilla villa are the Easy Corner selections, set high in the cliffs above Road Bay. Your calves will get a low-scale workout getting to and from your cabin, but the scenery is more than impressive enough to convince you it's a fair trade.

There are, of course, plenty of hotels in Anguilla too, but you have to be careful as many places in the islands consider the words "resort" and "hotel" interchangeable. The Arawak Beach Inn is certainly the latter. Hexagonal and with undisturbed views of Island Harbor and they offer a fine service indeed – allowing customers to mix their own drinks at the hotel bar. The adjacent cafe is painted like a Jimi Hendrix guitar and the harbor winds will cool you on even the hottest of Anguillan days.

oahu hawaii kai


Blanketed in full sunshine, softly illuminated under a vibrant sunset or sparkling beneath a star-filled sky, Oahu is the picture of paradise. Almost all Hawaiian visitors fly into the Honolulu Airport continuing on to the other islands of Maui, Kauai and Big Island on an interisland flight. An aerial view of the island near Honolulu is dominated by hundreds of sky-high hotels lining famous Waikiki Beach, the most popular tourist center in Hawaii. The white sand beaches and excellent shopping opportunities are the main focus during a visit to Waikiki.

Honolulu has plenty to offer travelers aside from the celebrated beach and shopping areas. Many of the best Oahu attractions are found in and around the city and definitely deserve a look. The most predominant attractions is Diamond Head Crater, an unmistakable landmark seen from Waikiki Beach. At the top of the list for many visitors is a tour of Pearl Harbor where dual waves of attacks took the lives of thousands during WWII. Hanauma Bay is another of the stunning natural attractions near Honolulu enticing those interested in Oahu snorkeling adventures, swimming and many fun water sports.

The bulk of luxurious Oahu resorts are found along Waikiki Beach as well as many affordable hotels and a wide variety of restaurants and shops. The Bishop Museum offers a wealth of cultural and natural history about Oahu and displays numerous permanent and traveling exhibits covering local native artwork, science displays and much more. Sea Life Park is a favorite of families and grants many opportunities to interact with Oahu wildlife such as dolphins, monk seals and many other fascinating marine animals.

A ride along the west coast of Oahu highlights the less developed Leeward side of Oahu, home to the Ko Olina Resort & Marina, Nanakuli Beach Park, the Makaha Resort and Golf Club and Makaha Beach. Makaha Beach is the best Oahu surfing spot on the west coast. It's a great place to watch surfers master monster waves crashing into the shore. The Aloha Flea Market is one of the best places to shop for local arts and crafts, Hawaiian souvenirs, jewelry and many other items. It's also a great place to try traditional Hawaiian eats. The west is also home to the highly acclaimed Paradise Cove, known as much for it's beauty as it is for featuring one of the best Oahu luaus on the island.

The North Shore is the true model for Oahu's rugged and pristine natural allure. It's the prime Oahu surfing area, presenting the ultimate surfing conditions in the winter months, attracting thousands annually for world class surfing competitions. Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay are among the numerous northern Oahu beaches that feature colossal waves and big breaks. The North Shore is also known for much more then just surfing.

The North Shore is one of the most popular areas for Oahu helicopter rides, taking visitors to new heights to experience the true beauty of an often unseen side of the island. Aerial views are magnificent and display many untouched parts of Oahu, meandering mountain ridges, lush valleys and abundant rainforests. The Polynesian Cultural Center is one of the biggest attractions away from the coastal region and is an excellent place to learn more about Hawaii's many fascinating customs and traditions. Renowned Turtle Bay Resort is situated along the North Shore and due south of the central coastline is the Dole Plantation, site of the famous pineapple factory.

Oahu's East Shore is more commonly referred to as the Windward Coast and is known for its striking tropical beaches favored by windsurfers and sailors. The east is home to Kualoa Regional Park, Kailua Beach Park and Makapu`u Beach Park which is known for its big surf and ferocious shore break. The east coast beaches are some of the most beautiful on Oahu and much less crowded than the southern beaches.

The best way to get around the many interesting areas of the island is by rental car. Visitors who opt out of a car can experience many attractions through a myriad of affordable Oahu tours. To experience the exceptional ecology and geography of the island, Oahu nature tours are the best choice. The most efficient way to get around the Waikiki area is via foot or public transit. The Waikiki trolley offers three lines all stopping at the most popular tourist attractions. When driving, avoid Honolulu during rush hour at all costs as the city becomes complete mayhem revealing the only undesirable side of Oahu!

cheap luxury hotels in orlando


Your choices for Orlando hotels are many, and there are accommodation options in this popular Florida vacation destination to fit every budget and taste. For those interested in Orlando luxury hotels, the list is a healthy one, and since most days spent in Orlando are busy ones, you’ll definitely appreciate returning to the comfort of your luxurious room after heading out and about. Many luxury hotels in Orlando offer alluring spas, top-notch fitness centers, and excellent dining choices, and all of them provide above-average rooms. Whether you’re headed here with the kids to enjoy the Orlando amusement parks, or you are on a business trip, or perhaps a romantic getaway, the Orlando luxury hotels can help make your stay a most comfortable one. It just comes down to whether or not you’ll be able to choose one over the other, as all are quite tempting indeed.

Orlando is certainly known for its amusement parks, the most popular of which is Walt Disney World. Of all the Disney hotels in Orlando, the Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is the most luxurious. Inspired by the golden era of Florida, this Disney offering is housed in a large Victorian-style building that is surely impressive, and the Victorian theme extends into the charming guest rooms and suites. Spacious bathrooms, 24-hour room service, and an evening turndown service are just some of the things that guests at Orlando luxury hotels can typically expect, and Disney’s Grand Floridian is no different. The dining choices here range from fine to casual, and you can even enjoy a meal with Disney characters at one of the eateries. The Grand Floridian Spa and Health Club is Walt Disney World’s best spa. Parents with younger children will definitely appreciate the Mouseketeer Club, which keeps the little ones entertained while the adults enjoy a night out. If you want to stay in the Magic Kingdom area and are looking for an Orlando luxury accommodation, then you simply can’t beat the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. The recreational possibilities here are numerous, with things like watercraft rentals, tennis courts, a video arcade, pools, and even a white-sand beach to enjoy. Guests can also take advantage of a few different transportation options if they want to access Downtown Disney and the Disney theme and water parks. These options include hopping on the monorail, catching a water launch (boat), or taking a bus.

Universal Studios is another top Orlando theme park that draws in scores of tourists every year, and it’s here that you’ll find one of the top luxury hotels in Orlando. The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel offers a taste of Italy in the heart of Florida, and the spacious guest rooms and suites here have an upgraded feel to them. Whether you opt for a standard room or the Presidente Suite, you’ll enjoy a list of amenities, including custom bedding, Italian marble accents, and complimentary cotton robes. Should you be traveling with kids, you might stay in one of the kids suites, which feature a separate king bedroom for the adults. Since you’ll be staying in the heart of Universal Studios Resort when you book a room, suite, or villa at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, there will be plenty of dining and entertainment choices at hand, and the hotel’s three pools are ideal for those relaxing moments of down time when you’re not out enjoying all of the fun things to do in Orlando. The Portofino Bay Hotel has an excellent spa and fitness center, and if it’s Florida golf you’re here for, then you’ll enjoy complimentary transportation to a number of area golf courses. There certainly are many reasons to move the Portofino to the top of your Orlando luxury accommodation list.

While staying at one of the theme park resort hotels is ideal for some, others might be looking for luxury hotels in Orlando. In downtown Orlando, the landmark Grand Bohemian Hotel is worthy of consideration for anyone looking for 5 star hotels in Orlando. It features its own art gallery, which is home to more than 100 rare works, and though there isn’t a spa here, guests can enjoy in-room spa services, including relaxing massages. The Grand Bohemian guest rooms and suites are quite opulent. Velvet drapes and dark wood tones help create a comfortable and elegant ambience, and the pillow-top beds certainly encourage a good night’s rest. Like many other top luxury hotels in Orlando, the Grand Bohemian offers concierge-level rooms and suites, which are intended for those looking for the best in service. Room service is available around the clock for all guests, and the AAA Four Diamond Boheme Restaurant is a wonderful place to enjoy a savory Orlando dining experience. Trendy, posh, and artsy, the Grand Bohemian is definitely an Orlando luxury accommodation that exudes character.

Whichever Orlando luxury accommodation you choose to go with, you’re guaranteed an amazing stay. These are just a few of the luxury hotels available in Orlando, and Orlando’s prowess as a vacation destination has only led to a growing number of luxurious accommodations. In addition to the luxury hotels in Orlando, you might also consider the Orlando vacation rentals or the Orlando bed and breakfasts, which have among them some upscale options.

holiday burj arab hotel


The Burj Al Arab has been hailed as one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Apart from the several lavish amenities it offers, it also has the honor of having the highest Tennis court in the world. The space, which is located about 210m in height, doubles as a helipad for emergencies or transit of guests. The luxury hotel has 202 duplex suites on 27 floors while the accommodation ranges between 1830 and 8400 square feet. Designed to bear a resemblance to a billowing sail, the hotel soars to a height of 1053 feet, towering over the Dubai coastline.

Merage hotel las vegas


he newest of the Las Vegas luxury hotels is the Wynn, which is making its case to be the most remarkable hotel on the entire Las Vegas strip. Building on what has made every other luxury hotel in Las Vegas so popular, the Wynn is already one of the most talked about locations in the city, and it's no surprise why; one step inside the front door and you'll see one of the grandest accomplishments of the strip. The décor is immaculate, the limits high and if you are lucky enough to see the penthouse suites atop the hotel, it's a sight you'll never forget.

If the Wynn isn't quite your style, though, there are still plenty of old standbys to fall upon. The Bellagio is still the bellwether for Las Vegas luxury hotels, its opulent entryway and flourishing fountains are signature sights for anyone making their way down the strip. The rooms are debatably the best of any in the city, there are six pools to lounge by during the day, and the Spa Bellagio is the definition of relaxation and indulgence.

The immense Caesars Palace, is another of the most emblematic casinos on the strip. As far as Las Vegas luxury hotels go, you'll find few better than this one: it has all the amenities of a five star hotel, one of the top clubs in Pure, and the kind of gambling that typifies Vegas excess.

Another top luxury hotel in Las Vegas is Mandalay Bay. With its soft blues and extensive table games, not to mention some of the best shopping corridors in the city, you can get just about anything here. The Paris hotel is not far behind in terms of treating yourself, plus you get to pretend you are in the romance capital of the world with the replica Eiffel Towel looking down on you.

Treasure Island, MGM Grand and the Mirage also must be included into any discussion of Las Vegas luxury hotels. In any other city, these mammoth hotels would be the shining jewel of the region - in Vegas they are merely "amongst the best." Which is why you should definitely give them a shot - each one is swanky beyond description, while giving you access to some of the most popular Vegas nightlife and shows.

Off strip hotels are no less luxurious, particularly in the cases of the Palms and the Hard Rock Hotel. Both seem to think luxurious is synonymous with a party atmosphere, though, so if that's not your idea of indulging yourself it's best to look elsewhere.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

UKM is Unique shows specific information on the aspirations that led to the establishment of UKM. UKM is continuing its nationalmission in catering to needs of the people who fought for the founding of the institution. The information is immortalised for the public read as well as the future generations so that they could see the true purpose of the founding of a national university as per the people's wish.

UKM is Unique helps the empowerment of UKM especially in the aspects of discussion current issues and to create an open discussion culture among the scholars and officers. Academicians and University staff may write scholarly articles that reflect the individuality and the strengths on UKM as the only national university in Malaysia.

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Hitotsubashi university

Outline of the University

Hitotsubashi University is a national educational institution under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. It is the only university in Japan to specialize exclusively in the humanities and social sciences.

The university was originally established in 1875 as a private entity called the Institute for Business Training (Shoho Koshujo). It educated the businessmen who went on to become the driving force behind the modernization of Japanese society following the collapse of the feudal Tokugawa Shogunate. Ever since, Hitotsubashi has been at the forefront of Japan's economic and social progress. It has become the country's premier institution for education and research in the social sciences but has always maintained its emphasis on practical learning.

The academic organization of the university consists of four undergraduate faculties: Commerce and Management, Economics, Law, and Social Sciences. There are graduate schools in the same four fields, plus two additional programs: International Corporate Strategy and Language and Society. The University also has an Institute of Economic Research and an Institute of Innovation Research. Currently, Hitotsubashi has a teaching staff of about 670, with approximately 4,400 students enrolled in undergraduate courses and 2,000 in Graduate courses. There are some 580 international students, along with about 450 researchers from abroad whom we welcome each year around the world.

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National university of Singapore


About NUS

A leading global university centred in Asia, the National University of Singapore (NUS) offers a global approach to education and research, with a focus on Asian perspectives and expertise. Its transformative education includes a broad-based curriculum underscored by multi-disciplinary courses and cross-faculty enrichment, as well as special programmes which allow students to realise their potential. Over 30,000 students from 100 countries further enrich the community with their diverse social and cultural perspectives, making campus life vibrant and exciting. We invite you to explore the NUS web and discover how the University is striving to excel globally with new initiatives in education, research and enterprise.

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Polytechnic universty


The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is a university with a proud and illustrious history. Formerly known as the Hong Kong Polytechnic, the Institution assumed full university status in 1994.

PolyU is strategically located in Hung Hom, Kowloon, on a site of approximately 93,500 square metres adjacent to the Cross Harbour Tunnel. There has been extensive development and rapid expansion since the last 10 years. The University is the largest UGC-funded tertiary institution in terms of number of students. A wide range of courses which directly meets industrial, commercial and community needs is offered. In addition to meeting Hong Kong's manpower requirements, PolyU also makes significant contributions towards the territory's success by providing the public and private sectors with its expanding range of consultancy, professional training and applied research services. Through these activities, the University maintains a strong partnership with the business and industrial sectors.

It is a prime aim of the University to equip students not only with professional competency but also the ability of independent thinking, good communication skills and a global outlook. The University also implements the credit-based system, which allows flexibility to students in choice of subjects and pace of studies.

Over the years, more than 250,000 young men and women have graduated from PolyU and its predecessors - the Hong Kong Polytechnic, the Hong Kong Technical College and the Government Trade School. The graduates have found their places in various sectors of the society, dedicating their knowledge and expertise to the building and development of Hong Kong's thriving economy.

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