Best Culinary Experience 2012

Sur Mesur, the restaurant at the year-old Mandarin Oriental Paris hotel, won Virtuoso's "Best Culinary Experience" award. It's the creation of chef Thierry Marx, one of France's top Michelin-starred chefs
 

Source: Virtuoso

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"Best Hotel of the Year", Beverly Hills Hotel

Beverly Hills Hotel

9641 Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills,
California 90210, USA
Telephone: +1 310 276 2251
Fax: +1 310 887 2887

The Beverly Hills Hotel is located on the famous Sunset Boulevard in Beverly Hills, California. It features 204 rooms and suites as well as 21 unique bungalows spread across the property. Since its creation in 1912, the Hotel has been a central meeting spot for the area's film and television industry, as well as a popular hangout for celebrities.

Located in Los Angeles within the heart of Beverly Hills, between Canon and Beverly Drives, north of Wilshire Boulevard, steps away from luxury retailers and fine dining, 30 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), 35 minutes from Bob Hope Airport (BUR), and 45 minutes from Long Beach Airport (LGB).

Source: Virtuoso

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Oldest city in the heart of Europe, Trier, Germany

 

Trier is Germany’s oldest city with more than 2000 years of history. But Trier is also a city young at heart with a future, a city with a favorable geographical location in the “heart of Europe.”

 

Trier is a tourist center, a greatly diverse travel destination for guests worldwide, a popular conference center, a unique vacation and leisure area. It forms the starting point  for excursions on the Moselle and the Saar, into the Eifel and the Hunsrück mountains and into the neighboring countries of Luxembourg, Belgium, and France.

 

Trier is an open-air museum of European architecture with structures from the Roman, Romanesque, and the Gothic eras as well as from the Renaissance, the baroque, and neo-classicism.
For centuries the city has been the center of the Moselle area. Not only a university and a technical university are located here but also the European Academy of the Visual Arts and the Academy of European Law. Trier has a great number of cultural institutions and schools.

 

Park Plaza Trier in Trier 1-800-230-4134
Nikolaus Koch Platz 1, Trier, 54290 Germany (DEU)  (Downtown-City Center)

The 4-star Hotel Park Plaza Trier,  located in the center of Trier, not far from the Porta Nigra, the Cathedral, or the Moselle, the city hotel is the perfect location for your conference or for a city vacation to Trier

A public underground parking garage (with fee) is located directly next to the hotel.

 

Liebfrauenkirche

Set to reopen in 2010, this parish church, separated from the cathedral by a narrow passageway, is more pleasing aesthetically than its older neighbor. Begun in 1235, it was among the first German examples of Gothic architecture. The ground plan is in the shape of a Greek cross, creating a circular effect with all points equidistant from the central high altar. The structure is supported by 12 circular columns, rather than the typical open buttresses. The interior is bathed in sunlight, which streams through the high transoms. Although its restoration after the war changed some of the effect of the central construction, it's still unique among German churches.

Where is the next party?

• Toni, Domfreihof 1a, tel. +49 651 9944412; 
• Club 11, Simeonstrasse 11; 
• Die grüne Rakete, Domfreihof 1b, tel. +49 651 71037800; 
• Sky Lounge, Simeonstrasse 46 (roof-deck on Karstadt department store), 
• O’Dwyer´s Irish Pub, Jakobstrasse 10, tel. +49 651 49539;  
• Exzellenzhaus, Zurmaiener Strasse 114, tel. +49 651 25191; 
• Lucky’s Luke, Luxemburger Strasse 6, tel. +49 651 83453; 
• European Art Academy, Aachener Strasse 63, tel. +49 651 998460; 
• Youth Center Mergener Hof, Rindertanzstrasse 4, tel. +49 651 978480; 
• Musikpark A1, Über Brücken 4, tel. +49 651 9985661; 
• Mycro Club, Viehmarktplatz 8, tel. +49 651 9764996;

 

The nearest airport to Trier is Frankfurt Hahn. To get to Trier, you will need to hire a car.                              (Hertz 00 49 654 350 9483)

 

The Church of Our Lady is the oldest Gothic church in Germany, built in the 13th century. A special feature is the cruciform floor plan.

 

Trier is pleasant to visit all year round. However spring or early summer is probably the best time to amble around its medieval centre.

 

lovely building's in Trier


 

lovely building's in Trier


 

Source : http://www.trier-info.de (official Trier website)

Photo:   Kristy

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Alton Towers, most complete theme park experience

There is no doubt that Alton Towers is the UK’s most complete theme park experience; it features a variety of thrill and family rollercoasters and a range of water rides, all buried in beautiful Staffordshire surroundings. Joined to the park are two hotels and a state-of-the-art indoor waterpark. This all combines to establish Alton Towers as the only real destination theme park resort in the UK today

The park has a beautifully rich history (and pesky planning restrictions), but it still manages to keep up-to-date with new rides and attractions every few years. It has been blessed with some fantastic coaster designs from Bolliger & Mabillard and John Wardley, specifically the famous inverter, Nemesis, and is still striving to put in more top class rides over the next 10 years.
 

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Great family getaway at Walt Disney World Dolphin

1500 Epcot Resort Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

A striking pyramid design topped by twin iconic dolphin sculptures welcomes guests to Walt Disney World Dolphin. Within the site is a grotto pool complete with waterfalls and white sand beach, plus a great choice of 17 restaurants. If karaoke and sushi appeals, there is Kimonos, or sample fresh produce at the Mediterranean market. For ultimate sophistication, relax at the chic Cabana Bar. Business guests are provided with a whopping 84 meeting rooms at Walt Disney World Dolphin.

Things To Do:

• Disney's Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf courses (0.1 mi/0.2 km)
• Disney's Hollywood Studios (0.7 mi/1.1 km)
• Disney's BoardWalk Resort (1 mi/1.6 km)

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The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village, Destin, Florida

If you’re looking for something different in a Florida vacation, look no further than picturesque Destin. Located on the Gulf of Mexico between Pensacola and Panama Beach, this Northwest Florida gem -- known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” – is part of the stunningly beautiful Emerald Coast, world-famous for 24 miles of strikingly-white sandy beaches along the vibrant Gulf of Mexico. Made of pure Appalachian quartz, the sand is known to stay cool, even in the heat of summer. By reflecting sunlight back up through the surf, the sugar-white sand is also what gives the Gulf waters their impressive emerald-green color. These unforgettable views will remain as they are, since over 60 percent of these pristine beaches are protected by law – an assurance that they will stay natural and undeveloped, the same when you return to Destin. And you will definitely want to return. You’ll want to watch dolphins dancing in Destin’s waters, and you may want to experience the waters yourself – with exceptionally vivid diving and snorkeling opportunities. Come and play challenging golf, partake in world-famous fishing and taste some of the freshest seafood in the state. Colorful and serene, Destin will create unique memories that will forever last in your mind – and your first visit will not be your last.

 

One thing is for sure about Destin Florida MLS Real Estate, the year round climate is just about perfect.  No matter what you want to do, you can do it for at least 8-10 months out of the year!  Life is too short, we encourage  all of our customers to live life to it’s fullest!
 

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Bohemian hangout, Côte d'Azur, (Saint Tropez - Cannes)

By the evening of World War I ST-TROPEZ was an established bohemian hangout. In 1956, Roger Vadim filmed Brigitte Bardot in Et Dieu... Créa la Femme; the international cult of Tropezian sun, sex and celebrities promptly took off and the place has been groaning under the weight of visitors ever since.As the summer playground of Europe's youthful rich, St-Tropez remains undeniably glamorous, its oversized yachts and infamous champagne "spray" parties creating an air of hedonistic excess. Unless you have the holiday budget of a supermodel or Formula One racing driver, however, it can feel like a party you're not invited to.

Le Babylon 
61 Boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 06400

Cannes France is a picturesque city located on French Riviera.  Well known for the Cannes Film Festival that takes place each May, Cannes is also a very popular tourist destination in Europe It offers visitors great weather,  many interesting tourist attractions, museums and some beautiful Mediterranean beaches.

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"Come and enjoy in nothing"., Nothing 2012 Festival

Island Ugljen , Croatia , "Nothing 2012"

Surely the most unique festival this summer in Croatia is the "Nothing 2012 Festival", a festival where nothing happens, and nobody turns up. "Nothing 2012" was (not) held yesterday (Thurs) in Preko on the island of Ugljan, reported daily newspaper Jutarnji list.
Preparations for the festival on the island, which is located in the Zadar Archipelago, began in the middle of August, when the event organiser Jerko Gregov formed a group on Facebook and began to report that the festival would not feature Croatian musicians Miso Kovac or Severina, nor international stars Jay Z., J. Lo or Jay Kay. Gregov also announced that there would not be any fireworks, or diving competitions.
"After Preko successfully demonstrated the concept of: noise + meat = a good festival, it was time to embark on a new project and new ideas, that is why we are proud to announce that 23 August in Preko we are organising Nothing. There will be nothing on the night," said the message, inviting tourists and locals to "Come and enjoy in nothing".

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Luxury Adriatic gateway , Porto Montenegro

Located in the World Heritage Bay of Kotor, Porto Montenegro is a luxury development that features waterfront and promenade homes, a vibrant nautical village and superyacht marina for some of the finest yachts afloat. Designed by a world-renowned team of architects and engineers, Porto Montenegro's village buzzes with places to wine, dine, shop and relax, including fashion boutiques, cafes, wood-oven pizzeria, day spa, hair salon and crew bar. Porto Montenegro also offers a sports club complete with fitness centre, bowling, billiards, squash and tennis courts, and yoga, as well as the Lido Mar, a 64m overwater infinity pool with cabanas, live DJs and spectacular sunset views.

Porto Montenegro is easily accessible via three international airports – Tivat (7km), Dubrovnik (46km) and Podgorica (90km). All offer good connections for charter and scheduled airlines, as well as landing facilities for private aircraft. Flight times to most European cities are under two hours. If you're coming by boat, the open Adriatic is only a few nautical miles' away, providing easy access to the historic towns, grottoes and islands of the Dalmatian coast. The traditional cruising grounds of France, Italy and Greece are also within a day's sailing.

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Destinations around the globe, Muscat, Oman

As one of the Middle East's oldest cities - dating back to the 2nd century AD, it's hard to believe that Muscat has been open to tourists for only a few decades. But seeing is believing! From the beautifully manicured parks and long, unspoiled stretches of beach to the stone moat that still surrounds the area, it is clear that Oman's monarchy has worked hard to protect the rich history and small, safe neighborhood feel of its capital city.

Top Hotels

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Al Bustan Palace A Ritz-Carlton Hotel








The Al Bustan Palace A Ritz Carlton hotel is set on a private beach with acres of lush gardens and is just 40 kilometers (24.85 miles) from the Muscat International Airport. While in town, hotel guests take in the Al Bustan Palace Area, fish market, golf courses, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, forts, museums, diving, dolphin watching, fishing, camel racing, turtle watching, Jabal Shams, Souk, the Royal Opera House, and the Bank Muscat Shopping Festival.Furnishings in this Muscat hotel artistically combine local traditions and art deco, creating a unique blend of Arabian culture and art that has earned it the reputation as the Jewel of the Sultanate.In addition to the breathtaking views of well-manicured gardens, the sea of Oman and the Haijar Mountains, this luxury beach hotel in Oman features an expansive, one-kilometer private beach, the longest in the country; five outdoor swimming pools, including a 50-meter-long infinity pool; and beautifully appointed meeting facilities.

Intercontinental Muscat







This property, situated on 35 acres of land between the Gulf Coast and the Hajjar Mountains, is approximately 13 miles from Seeb International Airport. Local attractions include French / Oman Museum, Bait Al Zubair Museum, Muttrah Souk, The Grand Mosque, the beach, and downtown Muscat.Hotel amenities include 24-hour front desk, five restaurants, caf??, piano bar, outdoor pool, private beach, sauna, on-site fitness center, tennis, sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling, diving and boat trips, concierge services, beauty salon, currency exchange, express check-out, business services, fax/photocopying services, newsstand, 24-hour laundry/valet service, complimentary newspaper and parking, baby-sitting services, room service, and a multi-lingual staff

Thing You Don't Want To Miss

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 Old Muscat

 

 

 

Old Muscat is located along Muttrah Corniche from Port Sultan Qaboos to Al Bustan Beach, while passing through Muscat.
When you set foot in Muscat, you’ll be swept over by a feeling of love and exhilarating joie de vivre as every inch of Muscat relates to its visitors an ancient tale of love between man and the Sea of Oman.
Muscat is surrounded by a wall on its southern and western sides. The wall, with its round towers, was built in 1625, while the mountains and the Gulf of Oman have remained its natural walls to the north and east.
Muttrah Corniche is coastal road which connects Muttrah through Gate, Muscat Gate Museum and the old neighbourhoods.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.








This is the third largest mosque in the world and mostly the entire complex is open to non-Muslim visitors. Non-Muslims may visit from 8AM to 11AM every day except Friday. Ladies are however expected to keep their heads, ankles and wrists covered while visiting the mosque. Must sees in the mosque include the Swarovski crystal chandelier, the second largest hand made persian carpet in the world and the marble panelling. 

Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace







This is the office of Sultan Qaboos, ruler of Oman. This beautiful palace stands on the head of a natural deep water harbour and is guarded on either side by the twin forts of Mirani and Jelali. Visitors are not allowed to visit the palace, but they are allowed to take photographs at the entrance of the palace.

Wadi Shab.







This is perhaps the most spectacular of all the easily accessible wadis in Oman. It is located about 100 km southeast of Muscat, accessed from the main coastal road to Sur at the village of Tiwi. The pools here are a vivid Emerald Green colour, and the caves and sheer sides of the wadi really dramatic.

Mutrah Souq,oldest market







The vibrant scene at the Mutrah Souq, Muscat's oldest market, is one of the city's main sources of entertainment. Browse a variety of goods and souvenirs like frankincense or gold and silver jewelry. Or dazzle your friends back home by bringing back a khanjar - the traditional silver dagger of Oman. You're bound to find better prices on items the further into the souq you go, and most of the shops do not have fixed prices, so it's always worth bargaining. Best of luck!

Get there

By plane

Oman Air  operates flights to Muscat from Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Amman, Bahrain, Bangalore, Bangkok, Beirut, Cairo, Chennai, Chittagong, Dar Es Salaam, Delhi, Doha, Dubai, Frankfurt, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Jaipur, Jeddah, Karachi, Kathmandu, Khasab, Kochi, Kozhikode, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait, Lahore, London Heathrow, Lucknow, Male, Mumbai, Munich, Paris, Ras Al Khaimah, Riyadh, Salalah and Thiruvananthapuram.

Britsh Airways  offers daily flights from London Heathrow to Muscat (from GBP 340)

Lufthansa  has flights from Frankfurt to Muscat from Sun to Fri, duration of flight 8 hrs (from EUR 796)

Swiss  operates daily flights from Zurich to Muscat via Dubai (from CHF 774 )

MUST TO KNOW

In order to respect the local customs, the following clothing guidelines should be followed:

• Women should not wear strappy sundresses, miniskirts, shorts or low-necked dresses in public places (e.g. souqs, shopping area in the city and interior towns).
• Men should wear shirts or T-shirts and long trousers; shorts or beachwear should not be worn except at the beach or pool area.

Please do not take photographs of locals without permission. Women in particular should not be photographed. It is forbidden to take pictures of military facilities and in and around the Embassy. Please observe the "No Photography" signs.

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