Spain is known for its fantastic nightlife: staying out late, eating tapas, going to clubs and bars, socializing with friends until the early hours of the morning. Stores and businesses may close at a normal hour, but the rest of the city comes alive with an energetic vibe late at night. It doesn’t matter whether a tapas bar is situated on a large, busy road or a tiny, hidden cobblestone street, around 10 p.m. the crowds start pouring in and restaurants will be filled with a gentle rumble of voices and laughter for the rest of the night.
The nightlife in Spain is unlike any other and there are certain unique elements that make it an exciting and unforgettable experience.
Tapas
There are many theories to how tapas were created. Stories range from people placing food across the top of their drink to keep the fruit fly out, to a time when King Alfonso X visited a small inn in the Cadiz province of Southern Spain. Legend states that when the king ordered a glass of sherry the innkeeper placed a slice of ham over the drink to keep the gusty Cadiz winds from blowing anything into the glass. Once he finished, King Alfonso X ordered another drink, but this time he specifically asked for a tapa (or “cover”) to come with it.
Although there may not be agreement on the origin of tapas, we can all agree on one thing: tapas are delicious. They can consist of almost any kind of food: fish, vegetables, bread, meat, cheese, olives… What makes tapas unique is their size, which is about a quarter of a regular meal size. Ranging between 2€ and 5€, these small meals are perfect to share over drinks with friends.
Music and flamenco
A night out in Spain isn’t complete without little music and flamenco. Whether you are walking down the street at night or standing in a tapas bar with friends, you will always hear Spanish guitar and singing in the distance. Flamenco music and dancing also makes the nightlife in Spain so unique and full of life. There are plenty of incredible professional performances to see, but sometimes the best experiences with flamenco are in a more traditional setting: a crowded bar, eating tapas, drinking and spending time with friends. Squeeze your way to the front of the stage and witness an unforgettable display of passion and creativity.
Socializing
One of the greatest elements of the Spanish culture is the socialization. At night, many Spaniards go out to tapas bars with friends, family or co-workers. Sitting down and enjoying the night with others, rather than spending it hunched over a computer and working, is usually a priority in Spain. This healthy disconnect allows for the liveliness and spontaneity that is evident throughout Southern Spain. People talk, people listen, people laugh while savoring delicious tapas, tinto de verano and enjoying each other’s company. Another exciting element of Spanish nightlife is clubbing. On the weekends it is normal for some Spaniards to go to the clubs and discotheques around 2 or 3 a.m. and stay until 7 in the morning! What makes Spain unique is that some of the “nightlife” ends when other people are just starting their day.
Vivek Singh, executive chef and CEO of The Cinnamon Club in London, is bringing his culinary prowess to New York’s Upper East Side in February with a pop-up restaurant at Desmond’s NYC. Owned by David Hart, formerly of Soho House and Claridge’s, the Manhattan must-eat has become a firm favourite with society types since its opening last year and will provide the perfect backdrop to Vivek’s inspired fare. Highlights on the menu may include seared breast of Long Island duck with Hyderabadi-style sesame and tamarind sauce, with everything served from Desmond’s open-plan kitchen and washed down with one of Vivek’s signature Cinnamon Bellinis. Running from 7th to 11th February 2012, it’s sure to the be one of the hottest tickets in town.
Thousands of visitors enter Barbados every year through Bridgetown Port, one of the island’s most recognisable landmarks and a visually impressive docking point that seems to beckon you in.
With a number of restaurants, bars and duty-free shops located directly at the port you can begin your adventures almost immediately.
It’s well documented that Barbados is abundantly blessed by ample beaches which lure travellers worldwide, but perhaps lesser well known are the famous fish fry evenings that take place on them where local specials like red snapper are cooked to order.
If you’re a beach enthusiast but also a ‘doing’ person, you’ll have the option to hike through Coles Cave or even take a zip line tour through the Harris Gully, alternatively why not shop inland for exotic jewellery? And don’t forget to take home at least one bottle of that famous Bajan Rum.
Perhaps one of the most inspiring experiences in all of Barbados is the chance to swim among the island’s thriving population of hawksbill and leatherback turtles. It’s an unforgettable encounter with nature as these noble sea creatures are protected and revered by locals.
Log on, log off
But what if you’re here on business, or need to keep in regular contact with work?
Well, on 11th November 2011, Barbados began offering free Wi-Fi internet on an island-wide basis as part of the national commitment to enhancing the country’s pull to entrepreneurs. Additionally on a short term basis the initiative should help to make an immediate impact by raising the internet literacy and competency of all Bajans, thus creating a better and more convenient tourism proposition for visitors. Free internet for everyone!
What else is there to do?
Sheraton Mall has the distinction of being the first as well as the largest mall on the island with over 120 stores and services including a Food Court and multiplex cinema. The mall features two floors and several outside shops that carry accessories and apparel, electronics, health and nutrition, home accessories and more. The mall is centrally located on the South Coast, only a few minutes from St. Lawrence Gap, with ample free parking and late shopping until 9pm, Monday through Saturday. With one-stop duty-free shopping and a contemporary style, this is a great place to visit at night
And finally…
After a bit of stylish privacy? Look no further than Cool Runnings Cruises who offer unique personalised charter expeditions where the utmost in comfort, service and enjoyment is optimised. Enjoy elegant, custom-built catamarans sailing with a limited number of passengers to guarantee superb days in a refined atmosphere.
Carole Booth is Commercial Director at Destinology.
Much of this is already covered on the ‘Subscribe for updates’ page on this blog but, if you happen not to venture that far, here’s a quick summary of where to find A Luxury Travel Blog on various social media.
If you ever watched the film ‘The Holiday’ and thought about swapping your home for someone else’s, then read on. Luxe Home Swap is a site for savvy travellers where you can exchange your home for a short or long period of time with someone else, anywhere in the world. Swap with other stylish properties in major cities and holiday destinations around the world and save thousands on travel accommodation whilst enjoying holidays with a local touch. Luxe Home Swap is the brainchild of serial entrepreneur Debbie Wosskow, who came up with the idea when she was thinking about booking a winter holiday away for her and her family. Debbie was sick of spending 80% of her travel budget on a hotel, where she still wouldn’t feel like it was a home away from home.
“I took a look at the main home exchange sites out there and clearly it wasn’t the same glossy experience as booking through a travel agent. So I came up with the idea for Luxe Home Swap – a stylish home exchange site that lets you holiday at a fraction of the normal accommodation cost. I’ve made sure to remember that style is not just about luxury – a ‘luxe’ home can be small but perfectly located as much as large and luxury, as people want different things at different times when they travel”.
When you think about the Caribbean, luxury may not always be the first thing that comes to mind, particularly if you’ve had a bad experience in the past. But if you’re looking for a unique and luxurious Caribbean getaway, look no further than the Paradisus Punta Cana Resort in the Dominican Republic.
Let me first start off by saying that I am not a travel agent, nor am I associated with this resort in any way. I am simply a frequent vacation-goer who appreciates lush and luxurious surroundings and had a particularly memorable experience staying at the Paradisus Punta Cana.
When you first arrive at the Paradisus, it looks and feels like an exotic botanical gardens set in paradise. The first thing you see is a beautiful open-air design with an endless amount of flora surrounding you everywhere you turn. Furthermore, there are fountains and little waterways throughout the lobby where you can check out different species of fish. As a lover of gardens and the great outdoors, I instantly fell in love with the surroundings. The resort grounds are huge so you can either opt for transportation (which comes by often) or enjoy a leisurely stroll. If you love long romantic walks, exotic flowers and some serious photo opps, you definitely won’t mind walking around the beautiful resort.
The Paradisus Punta Cana is an all-inclusive resort, but we decided to book the Reserve and it was definitely worth every penny. The Reserve is like a resort inside a resort and right off the bat we were treated like royalty! Our suite included a jetted tub, living room, private balcony, 24-hour room service and more. The suite exuded luxury and it was fit for a king… or a small family! In addition to amazing accommodations, the Reserve guests have access to a private pool as well as all the amazing restaurants and bars.
I am typically pretty picky when it comes to beaches, but the Playa de Bavaro beach amazing. The white sandy beach was gorgeous and the Caribbean water was crystal clear. But if you’re into pools, there are plenty of them! Both the beach and pools have romantic cabanas and beds, but those on the beach make the perfect place to watch the sun go down.
All of the employees are extremely friendly and accommodating and despite traveling to a new country, they make you feel right at home. If you’re looking for an exotic beach getaway or simply enjoy lush tropical surroundings, definitely look into the Paradisus Punta Cana.
Susan Bodack is the Director of Social Media Marketing at InStyleSwimwear.com.
A Luxury Travel Blog – in conjunction with Voyage Privé – is offering one lucky winner (and a person of their choice) the chance to win a luxury getaway worth £1,500.
This could be the perfect surprise for Christmas or the New Year! Chose between any of their luxury four and five star hotels or holidays up to a value of £1,500. Whether you are looking for a romantic rural getaway, an idyllic beach retreat or a chic city break, the choice is yours.
Voyage Privé is a luxury travel club that scours the globe to bring its members unforgettable getaways, at unbelievable prices. Their experts hand pick only the best holidays and hotels, then make sure they source their members the best deal possible with up to 70% off.
When planning a luxury holiday for the family, one of the key things parents want to know is how well the destination resort caters for children and teenagers. A 5 star hotel in a peaceful, tranquil and sun soaked destination may be the minimum requirement for adults, however, that much needed peace and quiet could be quashed if a range of activities for kids are not provided. In addition, parents need to know that the resort they choose boasts appropriate facilities and equipment for babies, toddlers and young children.
To help parents find an appropriate resort; here are 5 luxurious, family friendly holiday destinations all providing extensive programmes and facilities for children:
Well known as one of the most prestigious family holiday destinations in the Caribbean, Sandy Lane boasts a fleet of Rolls Royce Phantoms and truly stunning 5 star seafront suites. The resort is very child friendly; their ‘Treehouse Club’ provides a complimentary, onsite programme of activities for kids of all ages.
This spectacular looking, 6 star resort features its own monorail system, an Aquaventure theme water park, a music stadium featuring performances from internationally renowned artists and 20,000ft of retail space. The provisions for children and parents are exceptional and include: a 24 hour in-room babysitting program; a Kids Club for children aged 3 to 12 and ‘Club Rush’ for teenagers featuring a Mocktail bar, chill out lounge and internet café.
This elegant and luxurious, beachfront hotel offers the perfect location for parents to unwind and relax on beautiful white sand beaches. The resort is baby, toddler and child friendly, and takes pride in the fact that its crèche and kids club is run by a leading childcare specialist to Ofsted standards. Teenagers will enjoy activities including: classes in hip-hop, dancing and DJing.
A favourite getaway destination for multimillionaires, Jumby Bay is set on a 300 acre private Caribbean Island. Following a recent £18 million refurbishment, the resort re-opened with 18 new suites finished to an incredibly high standard. Baby friendly facilities include: portable cribs; baby monitors and in-room baby proofing service. The island itself is a wonderful environment for children to explore the surrounding wildlife and the resort provides extensive activities to support their exploration.
Finally this stunning family friendly holiday resort in Phuket, Thailand goes the extra mile in providing activities for children and teenagers. It has achieved three top 10 awards by the family holiday specialists ‘Holidays with Kids’ in 2009, 2010 and 2011. The resort’s water park features a 50 metre water slide, scuba pool and Jacuzzi. Their kids club provides daily activities for children aged 4 to 12, whilst recreational activities such as diving, tennis, archery and a fully equipped games room will keep teenagers busy.
Described at its first opening as ‘the most luxurious hotel in Austria-Hungary’, The Savoia Excelsior Palace, one of Starhotels’ Collezione, is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. A two-year restoration, completed in 2009, saw the imposing Ladislaus Fiedler architecture and turn-of-the century frescoes and furniture returned to their former glory, making this landmark building one of north-eastern Italy’s most fascinating finds and the Grand Dame of Trieste.
Only steps from the spectacular Piazza dell’ Unità, with panoramic views over the Adriatic Sea, the hotel is perfectly located for visitors looking to uncover the heritage of this buzzing port city. In a city rich with literary links and at the crossroads of Italian, Mittel-European and Slavic cultures, the Savoia Excelsior Palace has not only witnessed 100 years of dramatic history but has played host to figures who have changed its course, including James Joyce and Emperor Franz Josef of Austria-Hungary.
Literature lovers can head to the nearby Café of Mirrors, a frequent haunt of Ulysses’ author James Joyce, while culture vultures soak up the scene at one of the many museums and galleries located near to the hotel. For those with an appetite for architecture, The Savoia Excelsior Palace works closely with the historical castellos of Miramare, San Guisto and Duoni.
Room rates at The Savoia Excelsior Palace start at 130 Euros per night for a Classic Room. Suites start from 370 Euros per night.
We’re all aware that cruising is one way to have a sensational vacation. But there is cruising… and then there is luxury cruising. If you didn’t think six-star quality existed you’d be wrong, because the luxury that can be found on some of the highest end cruise ships have it ready and waiting for anyone with the money. So whether you are looking for such a trip, or just a nice daydream – here are 3 top routes to consider… dream on!
South America and the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is perhaps one of the world’s finest and most wonderful engineering feats and has to be seen to be believed; what better place to see it from than the luxury and comfort of a top cruise ship?
South America cruises are often linked with trips to the Panama Canal, but South America in itself offers the opportunity to see a huge array of diverse and unusual landscapes.
A 14 day cruise touring dense rain-forests and beautiful beaches can be yours for just $5,500 or so, making this a relatively affordable option if you are only slightly rich.
From Auckland New Zealand to Australia
There are plenty of reasons to visit both New Zealand and Australia, but to do it in luxury on a cruise ship has to be the crème de la crème of exploratory trips.
For starters you have both the North and South Islands to see, and seeing them from the water gives you a whole new perspective. You’ll also cruise across to the best of Australia, taking in the Tasman Sea and the Bass Strait along the way.
For added tropical-ness there are 2 or 3 week cruises available which start from Hawaii and take the whole journey to Oz via New Zealand. Such a trip might set you back $10k or so, but worth every penny.
Charter a yacht to Alaska
If you really want to push the boat out (so to speak) here is an option that really is only for the ultra wealthy:
Why not forget about the cruise ship full of other people and instead just charter a private yatch? With a hefty price tag just shy of $300,000 for a week (depending where you shop) this is not a cheap option but you do get an entire ship to yourself, complete with its own crew; allowing you to enjoy the most luxurious trip you can imagine.
Attractions include watching whales from the deck, fine food, Champagne and some simply breathtaking views which few other humans will ever experience. This is serious cash but hey, it’s only money.
Summary
There are plenty of luxurious cruises you can go on. From six star cruise liners the size of a small country to a smaller but perfectly luxurious private hire yacht, you have an amazing choice of luxurious cruises to choose from.
And if you’re not quite in that earning bracket just yet, you can look forward to booking a place on a slightly cheaper cruise instead. Whatever you can afford you can always dream of those stunning six star cruises traversing the world right now.
The following is a new ad from Royal Caribbean targeted at people who are new to cruising. What do you think? Do you love it or do you just find it too corny? Does it hit the mark or would you rather see more about the ships than hear people talking into a shell?
Lilianfels is luxury at its finest. There are 85 rooms available, each with a comforting theme. Choose from pink, green or lilac flowery rooms to relax in. The magnificent views of the mountains from your room may keep you from wanting to leave at all. Indulge in a warming milk bath in the beautiful marble bathroom and snuggle up in a luxurious towel afterwards. Open the windows to breathe in the exhilarating mountain air. Enjoy a drink from the convenient mini bar. Enjoy a fantastic dinner at Darley’s Restaurant. Crystal chandeliers and intricate stained glass windows make this great for a romantic evening. Unwind at the spa with one of the top ten treatments offered, including a fragrant poultice or a vital glow facial treatment.
Jupiters has almost 600 rooms to choose from, including 29 suites and two penthouses. Gorgeous views of the ocean or the Gold Coast will ensure that you never tire of looking out your windows. Hit the gym or take a dip in the beautiful pool. The serene gardens are a fantastic place for an afternoon stroll. Get a private massage, or soak in the steam room. There’s even a hair salon and gift boutique if you feel the need to shop. If you choose a suite on an executive floor, you will be treated to breakfast with the daily newspaper, canapes with pre-dinner drinks, and a maid. The library is a great place to curl up with a book and just relax. All the excitement of the Gold Coast is just outside.
Located in the heart of the largest living coral reef, the Angsana Resort has a great selection of rooms with amazing views. Relax in a suite overlooking tropical gardens and pools. Or perhaps a beachfront suite overlooking the turquoise sea is more your preference. Listen to the calming waves slide up to the shore as you take in the fragrant smells from the gardens outside. Get romantic with a couples massage. A hot stone massage, body polish or facial will leave you rejuvenated and revived and ready to see Australia.
This magnificent estate is located on 102 acres of beautiful lawns and gardens. Privately owned by a couple who wanted to offer a spiritual retreat to those who were seeking for such, Satori Springs has it all. Self contained cabins and cottages are offered, as well as a luxury apartment. There are also family suites which can sleep up to eight. An indoor heated swimming pool will welcome you when you are ready to unwind. Play some tennis or take a bush walk. The spa will soothe away all your aches, and you can even go rowing on the picturesque lake. Find your inner self at Satori Springs.
For a totally different luxury experience, Longitude will take you to the Outback in a whole new way. Outdoor lovers who still want a little pampering will be in heaven here. Stay in elevated outdoor “tents” which are really cabins. You will stay warm in the winter and perfectly comfortable in the summer heat. Soft comfortable beds and cozy bathrobes await you in your room. Enjoy a mini bar, in room tea and coffee, a private bath and evening turn down service. Touch a switch and your blinds will open to reveal the most spectacular sunrise over Ayers Rock. Enjoy a three course meal under the stars complemented by exquisite Australian wines. This is five-star and adventure all rolled into one.
Suite name: Room 601, Corner Alcove Hotel:The Iron Horse Hotel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Size of accommodation: 630 sq ft Cost per night: $189 to $389 Who’s stayed there? Usher, Dave Matthews, Carrie Underwood, Etta James and Tommy Lee. What makes it special? Room 601 has all the style and furnishings of a cool downtown condo with large windows overlooking the Harley-Davidson Museum, original exposed brick walls and massive wood posts and ceiling.
A stay in the Corner Alcove suite is truly one of a kind. The spacious room offers a seating area with velvet sofa and tattoo-inspired lounge chair perfect for relaxing, along with a luxurious pillow-top King bed to provide a blissful night’s sleep. The large well-lit bathroom features double sinks, a sexy walk-in fluted glass and tile shower and huge rain dome showerhead.
Because of its location in a renovated warehouse, this suite has architecture rarely found in a hotel room. High ceilings, large windows and wall murals hand-embellished by the artist give the room its loft-like feel, while exposed brick walls and original wood timbers speak to its history.
The entire room is outfitted in the best of the best – custom contemporary furnishings, a leather swivel chair and executive desk, luxury bath products and bed linens, and a fully stocked bar make this a room that proves difficult for any guest to leave!
In an email from Tripadvisor, here’s what they claim to be the 10 most glamourous ski destinations in the world. Do you agree with the choices, think some shouldn’t have made the list, or believe there are any glaring errors? Or have they got it about right?
1. St. Moritz, Switzerland
2. Aspen, US
3. Courchevel, France
4. Jackson Hole, US
5. Park City, US
6. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
7. Chamonix, France
8. Gstaad, Switzerland
9. Hinterglemm, Austria
10. Courmayeur, Italy
The Lake District & Cumbria is a well known UK holiday destination with spectacular scenery and beautiful lakes and fells to enjoy. There are numerous things to do such as a lakeside walk around Derwent Water, a serious hike taking in Helvellyn, Skiddaw or Cats Bells, or perhaps a romantic boat trip along Lake Windermere or Ullswater. The key to a good holiday in the Lakes is choosing the right place to stay and what better than to indulge yourself and book into a luxury Lakeland retreat. Here are five great places to choose from:
Kaber Chapel Luxury Cottage – located in east Cumbria in the beautiful Eden Valley, Kaber Chapel offers unparalleled luxury together with a totally unique holiday experience. Built in 1892, it has now undergone a ‘no expenses spared’ conversion to provide luxury accommodation for large groups and/or families with 2 reception rooms and 5 individually themed bedrooms, 5 luxury wet rooms, an indoor sauna, an indoor hot tub and under floor heating throughout. If that is not enough Kaber Chapel is also equipped with Scandinavian Lavvu tent indoor grill, with seating for 12 persons on reindeer skin covered benches – it is very social, great fun and a unique experience.
Windermere Suites – the eight individual boutique suites have been designed with complete luxury in mind, and each of the private suites have been furnished to deliver total comfort and deliver beyond wildest expectations. Windermere Suites are ‘the’ perfect Lake District location for romantic breaks, honeymoons, anniversary celebrations or simply indulging in sheer luxury, combined with peace and tranquillity and Lake Windermere and the fells right on the doorstep.
Broadoaks Luxury Boutique Country House Hotel – located in the beautiful Troutbeck Valley close to Windermere, this traditional hotel has been fully refurbished to offer unashamed boutique luxury, but still retaining the traditional feel of this long established country house hotel. Set in seven acres of fantastic private grounds, the hotel offers fifteen bespoke luxurious bedrooms each with a whirlpool bath. It is an ideal location for a romantic break with an unrivalled 5 star service throughout your stay.
Hardcragg Hall – located in Cartmel in the Southern Lakes, this 16th Century grade II listed historic building is a large luxurious self catering property ideal for large parties, with 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms offering luxury Egyptian bed linen and soft fluffy crisp white towels. Also on offer are 5 very spacious reception rooms with a four TVs including a 42” LCD and 3 music centres, plus a snooker room c/w with a bar. The stunning farmhouse kitchen includes a huge 4 oven Aga and a gas hob/double oven, dishwasher, washing m/c, tumble drier and fridge/freezer. The extensive gardens and patio offer views over picturesque Morecambe Bay.
High View Meadows – located in Kirkby Lonsdale in east Cumbria, High View Meadows is a spacious, luxury penthouse style holiday apartment built, decorated and equipped to exacting and luxurious standards – based on ‘only the best will do’. This stunning luxury apartment sleeps up to 6 persons in 3 bedrooms and offers stunning 270 degree views over the nearby and beautiful Lune valley and free guest access to the nearby leisure club with a heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room & Jacuzzi.
The above are just a small selection of the truly stunning accommodation available in this wonderful region of England. I hope it has tempted you to want to find out more and come for a holiday.
The Meeting of the Waters (Encontro das Aguas in Portuguese) is a natural phenomenon which occurs near the city of Manaus in the Amazon. Two massive rivers, the River Solimôes (Rio Solimôes) and the River Negro (Rio Negro) meet near the city; they meet but do not mix.
The River Solimôes is the chocolate river and the River Negro is the black river. The chocolate river flows from the Peruvian border and it collects its colour from the vast quantities of mud and silt it carries along with it. This is a fast moving river and it will quite often carry along with it little islands which flow along the river with the tide.
The River Negro flows from the Andes in Colombia. It is the black river, the colour of black tea. The colour of the water comes from the humic acid from the incomplete breakdown of the endless vegetation which falls to the bottom of the river. The water extracts its colour, and the result is dark, silky soft, sweet water which is a delight to swim in. You can even drink the water; it is so soft and sweet.
The River Solimôes is in a hurry. It is going somewhere. It is cooler and faster than the River Negro which is more sedate and laid back. The Negro is warmer, sweeter, more sedentary.
So when chocolate from the River Solimôes meets up with the black tea coloured River Negro, the waters come together but do not mix. Chocolate and tea. Tea and chocolate. They say that chocolate and tea do not mix. The chocolate is thick and creamy, it melts in your mouth, and leaves a distinct taste. Tea is thinner than chocolate, it is a drink with a distinct colour. It also has a distinct taste. They do not mix. If they ever did, they would be most incredible food/drink in the world.
For more than six kilometres these amazing rivers flow side by side, forming one of really great natural and unique phenomenons in the world. When they do finally mix, these two rivers form the greatest river in the world, the River Amazon.
The rivers do not mix because when they come together they have different compositions, different temperatures and different flow rates. The River Negro flows at 2km/hour at a temperature of 28 degrees Celsius, while the River Solimôes flows at 4-6 km/hour at 22 degrees Celsius.
This natural wonder is the inspiration for the black and white wavy tiles in front of the other iconic feature of the city of Manaus, the Opera House. There is also the rite of passage shown by every pilot visiting the city of Manaus. On arrival or departure the pilots tip their wings in respect to the mightiest river on the planet, and in doing so, afford their passengers a fantastic view of this incredible phenomenon.
This meeting of the waters is like the iconic meeting, on another great continent, at another time, between Dr. David Livingstone, the legendary Scottish explorer and missionary and the journalist and explorer Henry Morton Stanley on the shore of Lake Tanganyika on 27th October 1871, in present day Tanzania. Both men had covered enormous distances to meet up. Dr. Livingstone was one of the first Europeans to be concerned with the discovery of the source of the River Nile, the Amazon’s mighty African sister river.
The words Stanley apparently used on meeting Livingstone were “Dr. Livingstone I presume”. The greeting was polite but perfunctory. Each party knew of the existence of the other, but they had never met until this point. It gives the impression they would never really become friends, or despite their incredible ordeals they had been through to meet up, they hardly warmed to each other’s company, despite both men having Scottish origins. There was no warm hug, no firm handshake, just a damp squib of cold handshake between the two men at their iconic meeting.
So when the River Negro meets up with the River Solimôes it probably says “Solimôes, I presume”. It is a polite introduction, but then each river tries to go its separate ways. They go their separate ways for about six kilometres before they are forced together. Each river has a massive ego, which comes through being on their own two of the largest and most powerful rivers in the world. Both have travelled more than 2,000 kilometres to this point, so what is six more kilometres?
The River Amazon has several more ‘meetings of the waters’ on its long trip to the Atlantic Ocean, where different coloured rivers with different compositions come together and flow separately for short periods. However, none of these pretenders compare to the meeting of the Solimôes and the River Negro. It is one of the greatest meetings in the world, I presume.
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Spain is known for its fantastic nightlife: staying out late, eating tapas, going to clubs and bars, socializing with friends until the early hours of the morning. Stores and businesses may close at a normal hour, but the rest of the city comes alive with an energetic vibe late at night. It doesn’t matter whether a tapas bar is situated on a large, busy road or a tiny, hidden cobblestone street, around 10 p.m. the crowds start pouring in and restaurants will be filled with a gentle rumble of voices and laughter for the rest of the night.
Vivek Singh, executive chef and CEO of 
Thousands of visitors enter Barbados every year through Bridgetown Port, one of the island’s most recognisable landmarks and a visually impressive docking point that seems to beckon you in.
Much of this is already covered on the 
If you ever watched the film ‘The Holiday’ and thought about swapping your home for someone else’s, then read on. 
When planning a luxury holiday for the family, one of the key things parents want to know is how well the destination resort caters for children and teenagers. A 5 star hotel in a peaceful, tranquil and sun soaked destination may be the minimum requirement for adults, however, that much needed peace and quiet could be quashed if a range of activities for kids are not provided. In addition, parents need to know that the resort they choose boasts appropriate facilities and equipment for babies, toddlers and young children.
Described at its first opening as ‘the most luxurious hotel in Austria-Hungary’, 
We’re all aware that cruising is one way to have a sensational vacation. But there is cruising… and then there is luxury cruising. If you didn’t think six-star quality existed you’d be wrong, because the luxury that can be found on some of the highest end cruise ships have it ready and waiting for anyone with the money. So whether you are looking for such a trip, or just a nice daydream – here are 3 top routes to consider… dream on!
In an email from Tripadvisor, here’s what they claim to be the 10 most glamourous ski destinations in the world. Do you agree with the choices, think some shouldn’t have made the list, or believe there are any glaring errors? Or have they got it about right?
The Lake District & Cumbria is a well known UK holiday destination with spectacular scenery and beautiful lakes and fells to enjoy. There are numerous things to do such as a lakeside walk around Derwent Water, a serious hike taking in Helvellyn, Skiddaw or Cats Bells, or perhaps a romantic boat trip along Lake Windermere or Ullswater. The key to a good holiday in the Lakes is choosing the right place to stay and what better than to indulge yourself and book into a luxury Lakeland retreat. Here are five great places to choose from:
The