Nuts for oil in the Maldives

THIS April, the Navasana Spa at Outrigger Konotta #Maldives Resort celebrates one year of producing its own coconut oil on the island. The coconut oil is all-natural 100% pure, made by the spa’s therapists who hand press it from the naturally fallen mature coconuts around the island.

It takes approximately 50 mature, fallen coconuts to make 2.5 litres of pure coconut oil. Over the last year, the staff has perfected the process which involves gathering, dehusking and shredding the coconuts. They then squeeze the milk-juice from the grated coconut and discard the residue.

The spa staff then chill the coconut milk overnight or until it sets. The top solid layer is gently removed, cooked on constant heat, stirring until the oil separates and is clear. It is then bottled. It’s a two-day process.

A truly unspoiled paradise, it’s “your own private world,” surrounded by pristine natural beauty and unmatched luxury. Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort is on a private island in the azure Indian Ocean, the resort features spacious stunning villas, all with private pools. Guests can enjoy a range of activities including, innovative dining experiences, rejuvenating spa treatments, and world-class water sports and scuba diving at their Reef Centre.

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A wedding in the edgy east

THOSE who are planning a wedding with a difference should head to buzzing east London for a treasure trove of super quirky venues and creative wedding experiences.

Andaz London hotel on Liverpool Street has launched its ‘Get Shore-hitched’ package, allowing couples to celebrate their day in true East End style. The happy couple can choose how much of Shoreditch they bring into their big day with options including handcrafted graffiti invitations created by local street artists, complimentary ‘his’ and ‘her’ tattoos from an east London tattooist, a ceremony in the hotel’s secret Masonic Temple (to name a few). Also, after the wedding, a local designer can recycle the bride’s wedding dress into a new outfit that can be worn again and again.

Further east, Ace Hotel in Shoreditch is proving popular with animal lovers – not only do they have an extensive vegan menu but they are also proud to be dog friendly – so why not invite your four-legged friend along as a guest or a ringbearer!

For a wedding with a view, the Emirates Air Line cable car, which connects Greenwich to the Royal Albert Dock, hosts wedding receptions for newly-wedded couples who want to take their love to new heights! The glass capsules make the perfect backdrop for wedding photos with views across the O2 and Canary Wharf.

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A waterfall, a rain tree, a cave and a floating nun

THE history of Kanchanaburi is very much about the impact from the World War II era, there is a lot more to see and do in this picturesque province than just revisit war history. Explore and find Thailand’s most impressive waterfalls, one seriously enormous tree, and a whole host of temples including one featuring a floating nun. All this and more makes it a perfect backdrop for one of the country’s best event destinations that features a bit of everything from the surreal to the sublime.

One of the most beautiful natural attractions in Kanchanaburi is the Erawan Waterfall that attracts thousands of Thai and foreign tourists. Its ease of access is a big plus given its location in the Erawan National Park, Si Sawat district and covers a total area of about 600 square kilometres off Highway 3199, which is the same route as the Srinakarin Dam.

Tham Kra Sae is the famous and dangerous point in Kanchanaburi located in Saiyok district. This small cave is tucked into towering cliffs near the site of a former prisoner of war camp along the infamous Thai-Burma Death Railway. Visitors arriving by car can walk along the sleeper track and visit the Buddha statue enshrined in Kra Sae Cave. There is a restaurant and souvenir shop catering to tourists in the area of the train station.

An enormous rain tree, which is part of the Fabaceae family native to Latin America, is situated on one rai of land in Ko Samrong, Mueang district. It is an awe-inspiring sight with a trunk measuring 7.83 metres in diameter and is said to be over 100 years old. This giant tree should be part of any pilgrimage to Kanchanaburi. There is no entrance fee and the site is open daily from 06.00 – 18.00 Hrs.

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Picture Credit: Pintrest

Düsseldorf impresses as a weekend getaway destination

THE wealthy city of Düsseldorf is a great mix of business, fashion, arts and nightlife, a strong draw for both business and leisure travellers. Renowned for its party atmosphere, Düsseldorf’s cobblestoned Altstadt (Old Town) area boasts more than 300 bars and clubs, with each bar counter supposedly connecting to the one next door – earning it the nickname of ‘the longest bar in the world.’

bmi is now offering flights to Germany’s party city, #Düsseldorf, this spring from just £86 one way.

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A new best friend in France

FRENCH self-drive tour company, France Just For You, has partnered up with Insidr and is now including a smartphone in their self-drive tour travel packs. Previously, travelers had reported high international roaming fees from their cellphone providers and no access to GPS on their phones, so these customized smartphones have provided the solution.

Travelers can pick up their Insidr smartphone from Charles de Gaulle international airport in Paris, or #France Just For You can ship it to the accommodation at the first stop on their travelers’ itinerary. At the end of their trip, travelers only need to place it in the pre-paid addressed envelope provided and post it back. As one traveler put it, having the Insidr smartphone was ‘like having a new best friend in France’.

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Exclusively for adults: Marella Explorer 2

JOINING the fleet in 2019, Marella Explorer 2 will be the first ship in the Marella Cruises fleet to be exclusively for adults, offering customers more choice and flexibility. The popularity of adult-only sailings from Dubrovnik and the Asia itineraries for winter 2018 prompted the decision to offer an adults-only ship.

Marella Explorer 2 will be tailored to meet the needs of couples, friends and groups by doubling the size of The Veranda featured on Marella Explorer. The Veranda is the premium sunbathing spot onboard and will feature brand new facilities. 

From May 2019 Marella Explorer 2 will sail from a new homeport Naples, Italy. The exclusive adults-only ship will sail to some of the finest European cities including Venice, Rome and Dubrovnik. 

Marella Explorer 2 will also feature a luxurious Champneys Spa which will launch first on Marella Explorer this year, offering a variety of indulging treatments.

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On the runway . . .

THE launch of a daily service between Frankfurt and Glasgow which was announced by Lufthansa has been welcomed by VisitScotland.

Lufthansa already flies from Munich to Glasgow five times per week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and the new route from Frankfurt further underlines the airlines commitment to the Scottish market.



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