Category: Syria
Interview with Tim Bewer, Founder and Director of Isan Explorer
By Paul Johnson on Feb 12, 2015 in Accommodation, Africa, Asia, Bed & Breakfasts, Celebrities, Central African Republic, Cruises & Boat Travel, Food and Drink, Interviews, Middle East, Rail Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Syria, Thailand, Travel Miscellany
Originally from Wisconsin in the USA, Tim has lived full-time in Khon Kaen, Thailand since 2007. After a short stint as a legislative assistant, he gave up the 9-5 to become a travel writer-photographer and has since written or co-written over two dozen guidebooks for Lonely Planet and other publishers covering destinations as diverse as 
3 alternative Christmas markets
By Paul Johnson on Nov 04, 2010 in Accommodation, Eastern Europe, Europe, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Middle East, New York, North America, Regions, Russia, Speciality Travel, Syria, USA
Forget unwanted knickknacks and presents that get re-wrapped next year – this Christmas, treat yourself to a shopping trip to an alternative festive market with Black Tomato. The Road to Original Presents For the most original Christmas presents with an Arabian twist, you should fly to Damascus. Although only a small percentage of the Syrian 
Top 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
By Paul Johnson on Sep 28, 2010 in Africa, Arizona, Asia, Attractions, Chile, Egypt, Europe, Going Out, India, Indonesia, Italy, Jordan, Middle East, North America, Regions, South America, Syria, USA, Western Europe, Worldwide
Did you know that there are now more than 900 UNESCO World Heritage Sites? According to Tripadvisor, the top 10 – as rated by their users, I assume – are: 1. Taj Mahal, India 2. Petra / Wasi Muda, Jordan 3. Palmyra, Syria 4. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA 5. Abu Simbel, Egypt 6. Prambanan Temples, Indonesia 
Interview with Grant Thatcher, Publisher and Founder of LUXE City Guides
By Paul Johnson on May 30, 2010 in Accommodation, Asia, Europe, Going Out, Hotels, Indonesia, Interviews, Italy, Middle East, New Zealand, Oceania, Regions, Resorts, Restaurants, Syria, Travel Equipment, Travel Literature, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe
Formerly an actor with the RSC, Grant Thatcher began the series of LUXE City Guides back in 2002. There are now more than 30 guides, including the best of the best from 20 in-the-know residents in each location. What is it that you do exactly? I’m Editor in Chief which encompasses everything from designing the 
New to the Syrian coast: Afamia Rotana Resort, Latakia
By Paul Johnson on Jun 19, 2009 in Accommodation, Bars, Going Out, Hotels, Middle East, Regions, Resorts, Restaurants, Special Offers & Packages, Syria, Travel Miscellany
The doors have been opened to the Afamia Rotana Resort, Latakia. Located on a sandy peninsula, two kilometres from Latakia city centre, the new five-star resort brings a new level of comfort and a host of leisure activities to the city. It is within easy distance of Syria’s historical sites including Ugarit Canaaite, the 
Four Seasons Damascus
By Paul Johnson on Mar 22, 2006 in Accommodation, Business Travel, Hotels, Middle East, Regions, Speciality Travel, Syria
Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad is today inaugurating the new luxury Four Seasons Hotel in the capital Damascus. The hotel is majority owned by Saudi Prince al-Walid bin Talal and partners. Local media is reporting that the president’s participation at the opening is an indicator of Syria’s openness to Arab investors and a positive sign to 
The Four Seasons Damascus, Syria
By Paul Johnson on Feb 01, 2006 in Accommodation, Hotels, Middle East, Regions, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, Syria
The first 5-star hotel in Damascus for over 25 years has just opened. The Four Seasons Damascus overlooks the ancient city and serves as a symbol of Syria’s growing prosperity. It is situated alongside the Barada River and offers stunning views of the historic Tekiyeh Al-Suleimaniyeh and Farouche Shah Mosque; it has a total of 
