Friday, December 18, 2015

Fun Skiing Family Holiday in Korea

Experience a world of exciting winter leisure activities. Feel the thrilling speed and freedom of skiing. Take skiing and snowboarding lessons. Enjoy exciting performances and cultural events. Be awed by the magnificent snowscapes and unique resort experiences. Discover the special world of winter festivals in Korea.

 

Gangwon-do, Korea’s winter sports capital

Situated in the central eastern part of the Korean Peninsula, Gangwon-do is where the Taebaek Mountains pass through from the north to south, with lush mountains and pristine rivers surrounding 18 beautiful ski areas. To the east lies the azure blue water of the East Sea, and along the Taebaek Mountains lie the Seoraksan National Park with its impressive rocks and breathtaking views; the Odaesan National Park with its over 100 years old Korean fir trees and the Chiaksan National Park with its breathtaking snowscape.

Most ski resorts in Korea are located in the mountainous regions of Gangwon-do, often referred to as a winter sports capital. Dressed in pure white snow and boasting spectacular views, these magnificent mountains are an ideal place to enjoy the romantic winter atmosphere and experience thrilling skiing.



Pyeongchang, a county in Gangwon-do province, is home to world-class resorts including the Alpensia Resort, the YongPyong Resort and the Bokwang Phoenix Park, all of which have been chosen as venues for various events at the 2018 Winter Olympics.

 

GO-GO Ski Festival

The Go-Go Ski Festival is held four times between December to February at the High1 Resort. With high-quality snow and outstanding slope course, High1 Resort is one of Korea’s leading ski slopes with 17 slopes including 4.2km beginner slope. The resort features 403 rooms, two ski houses, two resting area, an observatory at the top of the mountain and a golf course.

 

The Go-Go Ski Festival offers fun and exciting winter experiences including skiing and snowboarding lessons taught by exert instructors, amateur ski competitions, snowboard competitions, and sledding competitions, while featuring some evening events like Korean traditional dance and modern performances. The upcoming sessions of the Go-Go Ski Festival are scheduled from 17 to 20 January, 31 January to 03 February, and 16 to 19 February 2016.

 

Fun Ski Festival

The Fun Ski Festival is held between mid December to early March at the YongPyong Resort, the birthplace of Korean Winter Sports and a well-known host of international competitions. The YongPyong Resort is equipped with outstanding facilities including 28 slopes and 14 lift facilities as well as a golf club, waterpark, and accommodation, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing holiday in a natural setting.



The Fun Ski Festival offers a memorable experience to participants with its exciting skiing and snow programs that cannot be found in other ski tour packages. From skiing and snowboarding lessons to skiing competitions and award ceremonies, from cultural performances and recreational activities to exotic local cuisine, the Fun Ski Festival is truly a festive experience. The upcoming sessions of the Fun Ski Festival are scheduled for 10 to 13 January, 24 to 27 January, 21 to 24 February, and 02 to 05 March 2016.

 

Ice & Snow World Festival

Experience the Ice & Snow World Festival, a fantasy world made of ice and snow from 23 December 2015 to 28 February 2016 at Alpensia, a year-round tourist resort featuring European accommodation, a 45-hole golf course, convention centre, waterpark and more. Its slopes boast high-quality snow, allowing visitors to enjoy thrilling rides. With a ski-tower, monorail, and cross-country facilities, it offers an ideal environment for leisure sports. Enjoy the wide range of activities, the diverse entertainment, the exotic cuisine and the chic shopping!

 

Taebaeksan Snow Festival

The Taebaeksan Snow Festival offers a true winter experience. It features exquisite snow and ice sculptures, a Snowman Festival, snow sledding and a number of performances with the beautiful snow-covered Taebaeksan Mountain in the backdrop.



The festival will be held from 22 to 31January 2016 at the Taebaeksan Provincial Park, Jungang-ro Street of Taebaek-si and Hwangji Pond.

Plan you Korea visit today. Don’t miss out on the amazing winter thrills!

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Experience Melbourne & Beyond

Cosmopolitan, elegant, creative and chic, Melbourne has a passionate soul and welcoming heart that makes every stay a truly memorable experience. Also discover beautiful coastlines along the Great Ocean Road, the sweeping vineyards of the Yarra Valley, the tranquil beauty of Phillip Island, the gold trail in Ballarat, the old gold mining town of Sovereign Hill and picturesque Mornington Peninsula all within an easy drive from Melbourne.

From thrilling world class events and renowned architecture, to café-lined streetscapes and verdant parklands, there’s always something new and magical to discover in Melbourne. Victoria's capital, Melbourne, sits on the Yarra River and around the shores of Port Phillip Bay. Known as the capital of fashion and coffee, the home of art and culture, and the sports hub of Australia, there is little that Melbourne doesn’t do well.



Lauded for its sense of style and elegance, Melbourne boasts glamorous festivals and events, Australia's best shopping, a lively passion for eating and drinking, and a flourishing interest in the arts. Visit the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium with the 360 degree Oceanarium that houses giant sharks and stingrays; the Eureka Skydeck 88 with its awe inspiring views of Melbourne; and the Melbourne Cricket Ground with its famous Long Room and the MCC Museum. Experience the thrill of hot air ballooning over Melbourne at sunrise as you watch the city waking gently and transforming into a bustling metropolis.



Melbourne is a natural starting and finishing point for your self-drive journey through some of Victoria's unique, enchanting and varied landscapes. Experience the romance and exhilaration of a drive down the Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives boasting of a breathtaking stretch of astonishing seascapes, magical forest and sprawling farmlands. Take in highlights like the spectacular Otway Ranges, famous Bells Beach, the dramatic rock formation of the Twelve Apostles on the Shipwreck Coast, and the excitement and heritage of the gold rush in Ballarat.



Capture the awe-inspiring splendour of the iconic Twelve Apostles with its majestic limestone stacks rising up out of the ocean on a scenic helicopter flight or from a boardwalk for easy walking and great views. Embark on an enthralling journey of discovery, tragedy, illusion and intrigue as you experience SHIPWRECKED!, a sound and light show that brings to life the tale of the Loch Ard, wrecked in 1878.



Experience the gold fever that gripped Australia in the 1850’s at the Ballarat Goldfields. Pan for real gold in the creek at Sovereign Hill, an outdoor living museum that re-creates the days of the goldfields. See blacksmiths at work, visit the Gold Museum adjacent, dress up in Victorian costume, ride in a horse drawn carriage and be entertained by the street performers in this replica of an old gold-mining town. Spend a while at the Ballarat Wildlife Park where you can pet the koalas, wombats and wear a huge Boa snake around your neck.



From world famous wines to fabulously fresh food and breathtaking scenery, the hills of Yarra Valley are a charming experience. The birthplace of Australian winemaking, the Yarra Valley is studded with more than 50 vineyards and a host of stylish cellar doors and restaurants.



Visit Healesville Sanctuary which showcases over 200 species of Australian wildlife.



The Puffing Billy Steam Railway, Australia’s favourite steam train and one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world operating since 1900, winds through the beautiful Dandenongs and offers a unique travel and dining experience.



Just 90 minutes’ drive from Melbourne, Phillip Island is renowned for its penguin parade, wildlife, surf beaches and motorcycle racing. Each night at sunset see the world’s smallest penguins waddle ashore to their sand dune burrows at Summerland Beach. Tour the Grand Prix circuit - home to the Australian Moto GP. At Panny’s Amazing World of Chocolates, see a chocolate waterfall or create your own chocolate bar!



Drive along the coastline with cliff top mansions, Mediterranean jewel-like bays, rugged surf beaches and lush bushland to discover the picturesque Mornington Peninsula region.

Melbourne and the rest of Victoria offers you the best of Australia’s natural attractions, coastal scenery, history and heritage – all in a flexible, compact touring package.

One of Asia’s Most Anticipated Hotels – The South Beach

Developed to strike that perfect balance between work and play, The South Beach is a destination in itself. Designed to create a H.I.P. environment – Highly Individualised People and Places – the Hotel of Design invites guests to explore their imagination and leave the ordinary behind.

The South Beach is a Luxury & Lifestyle H.I.P. hotel featuring 654 Showcase Guest Rooms and Suites, an all-day dining restaurant, three vibrant bars, two sky gardens, two infinity swimming pools and a gym. There are 43 Imaginative Social Spaces, which together offers a unique destination within the thriving Civic District.

Hotel of Design

A roster of leading lights in the design world have collaborated on this exciting project, that includes architecture by Foster+Partners and global design firm Aedas, interiors by Philippe Starck and installations by artists Lee Lee Nam and Soh Ee Shaun.



A key feature of The South Beach is its emphasis on ecological design. The hotel's most striking feature is an elegant wave-like aluminium and steel canopy that rises and dips over the heritage buildings and links them with two soaring towers.

Apart from integrating the isolated buildings into a seamless whole, the louvered canopy draws in natural light and provides shade against the sun and rain. This brilliant Hotel of Design is embellished and adorned from within - through the use of state-of-the-art technology, and the ingenious designs of Philippe Starck and other acclaimed artists, ensuring a one of a kind, multi-sensory experience for every hotel guest. The South Beach is a curated combination of architectural engineering, state-of-the-art hybrid technology and inspiring interior design & décor.

Imaginative Social Spaces

43 Imaginative Social Spaces span across the grounds of The South Beach where one can gather to socialise, or be alone. Regardless of their mood, guests are provided with a multidimensional experience where they can take in the atmosphere, culture and lifestyle of the hotel.



Guests can take a breather at one of the two Sky Gardens with its Infinity Swimming Pools and sunken chairs – have generous drinks with great bites at Ebb6, located at the roof of Padang Terrace.

Alternately, they can head up to Flow18, the highest point of The South Beach, to work up a sweat at its state-of-the-art Fitness Centre. With a poolside bar offering food and beverage.  A great place to experience wellness and serenity, while taking in the stunning panoramic view of Singapore’s skyline.

Showcase Guest Rooms

A sanctuary of innovation and intuition awaits you in our Showcase Guest Rooms. Be pampered and indulge in our stylishly, well-appointed rooms that are tastefully furnished to satisfy any whim or fancy.



With floor-to-ceiling windowed alcoves that overlook Singapore’s iconic skyline, The South Beach’s rooms are a fine showcase of substance and style.

Mood, Food & Drink

Be it a romantic dinner, a meal to talk business over or celebratory drinks, The South Beach Food & Drink establishments has something for everyone and every need.



All Day Hotel Dining (ADHD), located within the hotel, one floor below the hotel lobby sits features a diverse range of international cuisine with familiar favourites from breakfast through to dinner. Its three vibrant bars – Court Martial Bar, LAUGH and PREFIX - will offer artisanal spirits alongside delicious and enticing small plates available all through the day.



The hotel is part of South Beach mega mixed-use development which also comprises offices, residences, retail space and a private club. The development seamlessly integrates heritage sites – three army blocks and the famous Non-Commissioned Officers Club – with two new tower blocks. The hotel is located in one of the towers along with 190 luxury apartments.

The South Beach has already become an iconic landmark, a new addition to the already impressive Singapore skyline. Come, be inspired at The South Beach.

Opening Special Just For You, Stay 3nights and Pay for 2: 




Indulge in our Showcase Me (Deluxe) guestrooms that are tastefully furnished in cool and natural colours, with floor-to-ceiling windowed alcoves that overlook the Lion City’s iconic skyline. One-way airport transfer, a welcome drink, local calls, minibar and high speed Wi-Fi access comes included.
*Terms and Conditions apply.

"Be There! Do That!" Bespoke French Experiences

France invites you to indulge in a plethora of bespoke  experiences that promise a memorable holiday. From family sojourns to adventure holidays with friends, from creating a perfect getaway with that special someone or simply indulging in a luxuriously elegant escapade or following a wine trail, many temptations entice you to plan a "Be There! Do That!" rendezvous with France!

Family Fun in France:

Start your fam-cation with the Chocolate Museum in Paris or pose with your favourite celebrities at the Grévin Wax Museum. A variety of amusement parks promise entertainment unlimited. While Disneyland Paris offers you amusing times with Mickey, Minnie, Parc Asterix invites you for a fun adventure with the lovable Gauls - Asterix , Obelix and their coterie! 



Go to Angers in the Loire Valley for a medieval encounter at Le Puy du Fou – one of France’s most famous theme parks or enjoy a bit of sci-fi in Nantes in Pays de la Loire. Enjoy an outing at the Aeroscopia aviation museum or spatial encounters at the Cité de l' Espace in Toulouse in the Midi Pyrénées.

Of Adrenalin Rushes and the Great Outdoors:

Take hot air balloon rides over the verdant vineyards of the Loire Valley, Champagne and Burgundy or go golfing in alpine Chamonix Mont-Blanc or picturesque Evian. Hike through Lourdes and the majestic Cirque de Gavarnie in the Midi-Pyrénées. Avid surfers are sure to find their calling in chic Biarritz in Aquitaine which is a veritable mecca for surfers.



Provence invites you for a white-water rafting expedition in the spectacular Gorges du Verdon. Do visit Castellane for exciting rafting, canyoning and kayaking possibilities. Head to Nice, Cannes or St Tropez in the South for sailing expedition with friends.



Discover unspoilt islands, rugged coastlines and fine beaches as your sailboat takes you around this celebrated playground of the rich and the famous!

Spirited Encounters:

The wine-growing region of Bordeaux-Aquitaine invites you to try some of its celebrity reds originating from Saint Emilion, Médoc and Margaux. Burgundy offers its delectable reds such as Chambertin, Vougeot and Nuits Saint Georges and its fruity white Chablis.



The lure of the white brings you to Alsace that acquaints you with the famous Riesling, Pinot Blanc and the Sylvaner. More white wine can be savoured in the Loire Valley famous for its Muscadet, a very famous dry white wine with intoxicating flavours of white flowers, citrus and anise. If in the South, do try Provence's summery rosé and  finally raise a toast to the effervescent bubbly in Champagne!

A French Serenade:

Choose from serenading your loved one on a cruise on the Seine with a romantic meal or locking your love on the Pont des Arts - Paris' famous bridge dedicated to romantics. Add a little bit of fun under the sun with escapades to chic seaside resorts such as Deauville-located in Normandy and La Baule-in the Pays de la Loire that promise you endless walks on the beaches and rejuvenating wellness cures. 



Soak up the sun in Nice or  take on indulgent strolls along the Promenade des Anglais. Head to medieval Carcassonne for a leisurely intimate cruise on the Canal du Midi or plan an intimate retreat in picturesque Annecy with the French Alps as a backdrop!

Exquisite Indulgences:

Live like royals in any of Paris’s Palace Hotels with retail therapy indulgences in upscale Parisian districts. Plan exquisite alpine retreats to Courchevel that tempts you with its collection of Michelin-starred restaurants or enjoy well-being options at Chamonix Mont-Blanc. Enjoy the charmed life of the rich and the famous at the elegant seaside resorts of the South with helicopter rides offering panoramic views of the Cote d'Azur or enjoy a château stay in the Loire Valley famous for its vineyards and exquisite collection of châteaux. 



Plan an intoxicating combination of wine and well-being with a stay at the elegant Les Sources de Caudalie, an exclusive vinotherapy spa resort located 40 kms from Bordeaux and in the heart of a vineyard. Indulge in their signature wellness cures that involve the use of grape and promise invigorating experiences!

For more on bespoke "Be There! Do That!" Experiences in France, log onto: www.france.fr.