Zone by The Park debuts in Raipur

Zone by The Park debuts in Raipur. Catering to guests with 3 restaurants and their delicious food and beverage, city's first discotheque- Z disc, Zone by the Park , Raipur makes a strong presence in the city. The hotel also takes pride in providing the magnificent space of  13,000 sq. ft for marriages, conferences, events etc. This space is first of its kind in Raipur. The hotel has 72 rooms and is situated at a critical location that is minutes away from Central Business District of Raipur and Swami Vivekanada Airport.

Signature restaurant Bazaar of Zone by the Park, Raipur has local influence. Complimented by two more restaurants- Pizzeria, providing interactive and live cooking format and Wokerie will provide guests an ultimate dining experience. Three more restaurants are to be opened soon Urban Spice Box, the exclusive Indian grill and kebab restaurant at the terrace and Playa by Zone, the rooftop pool framed by scenic views.

Zone by The Park, Raipur

Inaugural offer by Zone by The Park, Raipur

Rs.3999 + taxes

Website: www.zonebythepark.com

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Peru awarded best emerging destination

Peru as I mentioned in my earlier post raises lots of curiosity at its mention. Peru has incredible siteseeing options that are recognized as World Heritage sites such as QhapaqÑan (Inca Trail), City of Cusco, Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, Chavin Archaeological complex, Huascarán National Park, Chan Chan Archaeological Area(the largest citadel made entirely of adobe), Manu National Park, Lima Historic Centre, Abiseo River National Park, Nazca Lines, Arequipa Historic Centre and Caral(The oldest civilization of the Americas) to name some.

cusco-machu-picchu- Peru an Emerging destination

Peru has won "Best International Emerging Destination” by the Readers of Lonely Planet Magazine India in May 2016. Peru received the award at the annual “Lonely Planet Magazine India Travel Awards – 2016” which was held at St Regis hotel in Mumbai. The jury panel consisted of industry experts, who decided the best national and international destinations. The award was received by Mr. Luis M Cabello, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of Peru in India. The award was handed over to Mr Cabello by the Bollywood actor and former model John Abraham.

Not only Peru is best emerging destination, but also Cuisine of Peru is highly delectable. Peruvian Cuisine has been reaffirmed to be one of the best in the world with 3 of its restaurants making to the list of 50 Best Restaurants in the World produced by British magazine Restaurant. Peru is emerging as the gastronomical destination of the world due to distinctive quality of these three restaurants.

Maido holds 13th position due to innovative skills and sparse ingredients and the blend of Peruvian and Japanese influence combined with efforts of Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura. The restaurant is a perfect blend of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. The best culinary experience is the 17-course tasting menu which is served at the restaurant.

Content credits Peru Tourism

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A comfortable stay @ Mercure Legian Bali Indinesia

Mercure Legian Bali is a property very aptly located in Bali, right near the shopping areas. Having direct access to market, this hotel is at an advantage. Its a 30 minutes drive from Ngurah Rai International airport. 

Reception at Mercure Legian Bali

Ambiance at Mercure Legian Bali

At the entrance there is an open area with greeneryn and fountain. On the right there is a restaurant. Beyond this open area, there is a lobby. Behind lobby, there is computer centre. Rooms start from the first upper floor.

My room during my first visit

My room

I stayed in this hotel twice in the same trip. First time my room was fantabulous. It had all facilities and a big balcony with chairs laid out.

I liked my bathroom as well. Room was nicely done with a study table.

Bathroom

Food

Food was awesome. We were served delicious and specially curated dinner for us during evenings. Snacks were lip smacking and desserts were mouthwatering. The food was very nicely prepared and appealing.

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Nidhi KM

Delicious snacks at Mercure Legian Bali

Premier Inn debuts in Thailand and expands in Indonesia

You must be aware of the famous Premier Inn chain of UK. The chain that provides comfort and convenience with all modern amenities at very affordable and competitive prices. Where a good night's sleep is guaranteed along with TV, Swimming pool, all day dining restasurants, bars , gymn and coference rooms, Premier Inn provides it all for varied travellers. Be they family, couple, business or solo travellers, everyone enjoys their stays at Premier Inn.  

Lobby, Premier Inn Yogyakarta

With the increase of Indian travellers across the globe and their special love for countries like Indonesia and  Thailand, Premier Inn is one of the best option while being easy on pocket. Premier Inn announced its debut of the award-winning brand in Pattaya, along the Gulf of Thailand and a new opening in Indonesia at historical and culturally rich city of Yogyakarta.

Superior Room - Premier Inn Yogyakarta

Offer inclusions by Premier Inn Global

1. Good Night Guarantee
2. free stay and breakfast for kids under the age of 16 years
3. complimentary Wi-Fi across all its properties and
4. great value for money to its guests. 

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Experience at Luwansa Beach Resort, Labuan Bajo

Luwansa Beach Resort in Flores , Labuan Bajo is a property having a variety of rooms with premium ones facing the ocean. My room was ocean facing. I have always been a Craver of having a room that has got best view of the prime feature of the destination or location. God had granted that wish of mine. I was given a room of my choice.

Ambiance at Luwansa Beach Resort

At the face of it, its hard to imagine a big property behind the entrance. I was pleasantly surprised to see how big the property was as against its entrance.

There were rooms in the same building as the reception. Beyond the reception, there was park that further lead to cottages facing the ocean.

Way to premium rooms

Beyond cottages, was a swimming pool. To the right of swimming pool, there was a restaurant, then beach.

Swimming pool at Luwansa Beach Resort

My room

Nidhi KM

Darjeeling Zoo, a must visit for kids

As we had gone to Darjeeling with our kids, zoo was one of the shortlisted sightseeing options for sure with limited time on us. Name of the zoo is Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute too is inside the same premises.

Darjeeling Zoo

We had heard that the zoo is really good. So, we started from Cedar Inn at 9.30 and we were at the zoo by 10am. Luckily, we took the upper road for walking so we were happy to see animals straight away. Otherwise, we had met many people who complained about the long walking way which was actually the lower road.

At first we saw the bear. Kids were very happy to see the bear. It had a white thick line on its chest. Bear was roaming around and then relaxed finally. It had a z- black shiny fur. I just wanted to touch it. It appeared very neat and clean.

Bear

But of course one cannot touch or feed any of these animals be it in the zoo or in jungle. So be extremely careful.

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Nidhi KM

Bear with a thick white line on chest

Breathtaking views of Indian Ocean from Mauritius

When you go to Mauritius where you get the second purest air in the world, you know why skies are so clear and Indian Ocean looks so beautiful.

View from viewpoint

There are many places in Mauritius from where one could have breathtaking views of Indian Ocean.

Bluish green waters of Indian Ocean

On the way to Chamarel, we went to a view point from where we could enjoy those divine views.

Indian Ocean

Enchanting views

Feels like Heaven

There is also one more place called Macando view point. This point is very breezy and one can just stand there for hours and simply gaze at the nature's charisma.

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Nidhi KM

View from Macando

Komodo National Park, Komodo Island Indonesia

As kids we used to read, watch and hear a lot of stories on dragons and their attacks and how other animals used to dread from them. When I attended a seminar by Indonesia Tourism board, I realized, dragons still exist in this world. Oh, I was surprised and also scared of if I ever I encounter a dragon. Anyways, when I was invited by Indonesia Tourism Board, I was thrilled and even happier when I came to know we would be visiting Komodo National Park during our FAM trip.

Komodo National Park

The d day came when we were supposed to explore Komodo National Park. I was so eager to see a dragon and at the same time a bit afraid. However, I had gone to the park in an attire suitable for jungle visits. A T-shirt, jeans and my favourite running shoes. I knew it was supposed to be a good 2-3 hours walk. So had prepared myself mentally for the same.

Jungle

As we started walking in the jungle, I could feel the freshness of air, trees and fallen leaves. It was a beautiful scene.

Dense forest

On the way , we were shown palm tree which is used to prepare palm oil, palm sugar. Babies of dragons stay in palm trees to avoid cannibalization.

Palm tree

We had not gone very far, when we spotted few people standing. Oh wow!!, there they were. It was a pair. Male and female dragon.

Fierce dragon

Female dragon was very aggressive and was roaming around swiftly, gazing at each of us. It seemed very angry and hungry. There were two groups so 4 guides by the Komodo National Park. So, I felt a bit secured. All guides had big sticks in their hands.

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Nidhi KM

Female dragon taking round aggressively

Snorkeling @ Kelor Island perfect for beginners

Snorkeling @ Kelor Island is indeed perfect for beginners. I have come across snorkeling opportunities many times but have never experienced it intentionally as I had been too scared to put my face in the ocean  with the snorkeling apparatus without knowing swimming.

But this time I was enjoying the speed boat and when it stopped at Kelor Island, I just got down to see the beauty of beach. I got down from the boat to look at the water which was very clean. I could clearly see the sea bed. This tempted me to go further ahead in water when I realized the need to have a life jacket as I didn't know swimming. The underwater world was so inviting that I wanted to see it immediately. I got ready for snorkelling which I always dreaded. I surprised myself for my own reaction to snorkelling. How I had deprived myself of this heavenly experience only I can understand. Now I was all set to see the underwater world while remaining out of it. The water was so transparent that I could see corals very clearly.

Fishes were coming towards me as if asking who are you to enter my territory? Three fishes of same family came towards me, staring at me! Although they were small in size but had guts to question my entrance. It was a communication that I felt between them and me. How wonderful! I felt that I got more close towards God and his /her creation.

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Nidhi KM

On the way to Pink Beach

Cycling competition, Tour De Flores, Indonesia

Tour de Flores- Cycling competition is one of the most talked about in the world. Flores Tourism Department organized cycling competition in collaboration with UCI. I was also invited to witness the same. When I reached the finishing point, there was a flood of people all around the route. People were cheering around. Students, kids and adults, all were lined up, some were on the top of a short wall, some along the road, some on car roofs. Although it was a bright sunny day, but everywhere irrespective of heat, there was an aura of cycling. Hundreds of thousands if people had gathered together. I too joined the crowd and stood by the road.

Tour De Flores

After a while there was a whistle and police sidelined people and soon there was a cyclist riding a bicycle with super speed. Oh. It was great to see his speed

Cyclist

His dress , cars and other support system behind and overall environment was exuberating with energy and positivity. I was swayed by the whole atmosphere.

Support system of cyclist

Then another cyclist passed by. There was so much energy in the atmosphere.

Another cyclist

After a while three more cyclists passed by in line together.

Three cyclists in line

I also got an opportunity to meet with the Director West Flores Manggarai Tourism Department, Mr. Theodorus Suardi. He told us that there were total 26 countries that had participated in the cycling race with 160 participants. The route was 661kms long along the terrain of Flores island. This event was organised in Labuan Banjo in Flores to promote tourism. 

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Nidhi KM

Be fit in an interesting way @ Club Med, Bintan Island

Wanting a break and also longing to have an interesting fitness regime? What if such a superb combination realizes your dream of looking good while feeling good!! Well, I was thrilled to know that the famous Club Med, Bintan Island is launching a health regime that too with interesting activities!

Isn't it a great idea to spend a weekend focussing on health , get wellness tips from Internationally renowned instructors while enjoying scenic views!!

Club Med, Bintan Island offers

1. A weekend getaway for health and fitness lovers at ClubMed Bintan Island: Body & Soul from 20 May to 12 June 2016

2. On top of the regular Club Med Premium All-Inclusive activities such as flying trapeze, snorkelling, archery, kayak, golf, and more, participants can pick up refreshing new fitness exercises, as well as indulge in deliciously healthy meals and freshly concocted juices of assorted ingredients.

3. A reason to get together with loved ones having sane fitness goals! lLive the weekend according to the four colours of the Body & Soul program – Yellow (Rejuvenation), Red (Energy), Green (Balance), and Purple (Revitalization) and participate in activities carried out by our internationally recognized instructors. Participate in Tribal Rhythm for a rousing drumming work out that promises to tone your muscles and ignite your musical side. For a dose of energetic fun in the waters, Aqua Fitness is an exhilarating exercise that involves pumping beats, funky dance fitness moves, and working out with a partner in the pool. Other activities that participants can look forward to include:

a. BodyART, a body-mind training program designed for all fitness levels across all ages and body types

b. Dance of the Dragon, a Qi-Gong inspired activity that detoxes and brings rebalance to the body

c. K-pop Dance Lessons with a Korean dance instructor

d. Crystals Healing and Tarot Readings

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Content and photo credits Fortuna PR

10 things to do in Peru, Land of Hidden Treasures

Since my childhood days, I have been really fond of Geography. Reading the climatic conditions, terrains , vegetation etc has always fascinated me. I used to love reading about various countries and continents. Peru in South America was always on my mind because of its diversity of terrains and natural wonders.

When I got the information directly from the Peru Tourism Board via OM Tourism, I was happy to recieve first hand information about Peru. I thought to share it with you to help you plan your trips with authentic information.

Well, Peru has diversified 11 eco regions and 84 of the 117 life zones that exist worldwide. It is one of the world’s 10 mega diverse countries.

Culture of Peru

Peru is rich in cultural heritage, festivals and traditions. Inti Raymi ( Feast of Sun) is an ongoing festival throughout the year that specially keeps the spirits high. Isn't that interesting!

World Heritage Sites in Peru

QhapaqÑan (Inca Trail), City of Cusco, Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, Chavin Archaeological complex, Huascarán National Park, Chan Chan Archaeological Area(the largest citadel made entirely of adobe), Manu National Park, Lima Historic Centre, Abiseo River National Park, Nazca Lines, Arequipa Historic Centre and Caral(The oldest civilization of the Americas) to name some.

cusco-machu-picchu

Having diverse landscapes, marine, land and mountainous life, Peru offers unique experiences that one would cherish lifetime.

10 things to do in Peru

1. Mountaineering

The Andes mountain range,second highest in the world also offers peaks for beginners and seasoned climbers.

2. Trekking

To trek glaciers and snowy peaks, forests and waterfalls, desserts, beautiful towns and above all, the most hospitable people that one could imagine. desert; dense vegetation of the Amazonian forests provide thrills of lifetime.

Aguas Calientes, gastronomia, 5 de Diciembre 2011. Foto: Pilar Olivares/Promperu

3. Sand boarding and Buggies

Sliding face-down on a board along the great sand dunes is the unique pleasure offered by sand boarding, an adventure sport that has spread to several departments in Peru. The sport began in Ica, before spreading to Nazca, in Cerro Blanco (2,078 masl), the highest dune in the world, which is just for experts. In many desert zones on the Peruvian coast, there are dunes in which sandboarding can be enjoyed, including Sarapampa (Lima), Camaná (Arequipa) and Acarí (Arequipa), with the second highest dune in the world (2,068 masl).

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Pride Plaza, a property to experience in Aerocity, Delhi

Pride Plaza always used to be very visible during all my trips to the airport via Aerocity. I always used to wonder about its service, ambiance and hospitality.

Pride Plaza

I got an invite to review this property. This time I was accompanied by my family. Corp Comm Raja Singh cordially invited us with a detailed itinerary.

So, we packed our bags and a chauffeur driven car picked us up from our residence. We reached the hotel in just 45 minutes. After security check in, we entered the hotel which had a grand entrance. Behind the reception was  a vast and beautiful painting which was very catchy. It gave me a pure sense of belonging to a special place. I kept on looking at the painting for long. It reminded me of Amer Fort in Jaipur. 

Reception area

We were escorted till our room and were offered welcome drinks at both lobby and at our room. Kids had their own room and we settled in ours.

Welcome drink

Our Room

Both rooms were interconnected. Rooms had view of swimming pool. There were all modern amenities in the room. Everything was well placed and rooms appeared spacious. There were unique paintings in our room behind beds. These paintinings depicted open spaces and provided an optical illusion to give a feel of more space in the room. Whenever I looked at these paintings, I used to get transported to a different soothing world altogether.

Our room

Ambiance of Pride Plaza

Pride Plaza is quite a big property. Having a huge lobby and confectionery- Mr. Conefctioner to the left , Lounge and bar Stallion with beautifully dim and soothing ambiance just to indulge in cocktails and mock tails. Pan Asian restaurant Oriental Spice with sophisticated and formal setting. Cafe Pride is another 24X7  coffee shop , very spacious suiting for both formal and smart casual setting.

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Nidhi KM

Mr.Confectioner

Stallion Lounge and Bar

Oriental Spice restaurant