Author: Manjari Singh

Kerela Backwaters

Kerala is the most picturesque and protean tourist destination of India. Its innumerable lagoons, lakes, estuaries, beaches, hill stations and above of all its serene and calm backwaters sums up to the beauty of the region. The backwaters of Kerela is a unique product of Kerala and is found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian sea. The backwaters of Kerela are a self supporting eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The tranquil backwaters of Kerala are the most popular tourist attractions of Kerala. The serene and calm backwaters passing through lush green vegetation make a splendid setting for tourists to relax and explore natural beauty of Kerala.

The most exciting thing for the tourist going on backwater tours of Kerala is Ketuvallom, the traditional giant houseboats. While traveling on a houseboat, you pass through green lush countryside, swaying palm and coconut trees and emerald fields. You feel as if you are traveling in a paradise. Exploring scenic backwaters of Kerala on a houseboat would surely provide you a momentous and unforgettable tour. An experience worth cherishing for life time.

Kerala is abundant in backwaters and almost every district of Kerala is gifted with scenic backwaters stretches. Kerala offers backwater tours to many destinations. Some of the famous and exciting backwater destinations in Kerala are: Alapuzzha, Cochin, Kasaragod, Kollam, Kottayam, Kozhicode, Kumarakom, Trivandrum and Thiruvallam.

Kerala backwater tour is an affiliation of land and water throbbing with its own unique culture. Many beautiful sights greet you along the way, such as the Chinese fishing nets. On-cruise scenery flashes up vivid contrasts of lush greens and deep blues. As the boat glides along the gorgeous green of the fringed palms the ripples in the blue water blend into little wavelets. It is in the months of August and September that the moist, rain-drenched earth and the glorious ever flowing backwaters burst into song together, as over hundred thousand men and women gather on the banks to witness a spectacular water regatta the Snake Boat Races.

Take your pick for the best backwater tour for family and friends. The cruises and the overnight stays in the houseboats are the best way to an unforgettable holiday. The water-bus ferry and the cruise boats are the most relaxed. Your backwater holidays need not be meticulously planned. The entire maritime journey is a merry time experience in true sense. The entire experience of the green and serene backwaters of Kerala is incomparable and incredible. The vivacious and vibrant village life cannot be left in a better way on a smooth sail in the houseboat. It is the backwater cruises that complete the tour to southern India, taking you through the winding waterways revealing the colorful culture and customs of the rural life. The magic of the mystical backwaters works on one and all alike.

About the Author:

Manjari Singh is an eminent travel writer, she have authored websites like :

www.travellinginindia.com

Palm Springs Clothing Optional Resort Owner’s Top Ten Nude Sunbathing Beauty Secrets

In these stressful times, couples are looking for new and fun ways to put a romantic kick back into their love lives during vacations. Staying at nudist resorts is the best way to spark the romance and to remind yourselves as to why you initially fell in love with each other.

Palm Springs, CA, October 07, 2008  Vacationing at clothing optional resorts is the fastest growing trend in the travel industry. No longer the rustic nudist colonies of old. Today’s American nudist resorts rival some of the best boutique hotels around in terms of amenities, customer service, and value for your vacation dollar.

One popular topless and nude sunbathing hotel is The Terra Cotta Inn clothing optional resort and spa http://sunnyfun.com located in Palm Springs, California, the sunniest city in the United States. Called the most mainstream nudist resort in America, they are perfect for couples trying topless or nude sunbathing for the first time.

With one of the highest repeat guest rates in the travel industry at over 75%, loyal guests from around the world flock to this popular desert nudist resort.

And the press loves them too. In July, Tripadvisor.com picked them as one of the 10 best clothing optional resorts in the world. Only two nudist resorts in America were honored. Last year AOL.com reported they were one of the 10 best.

Mary Clare Mulhall owner of Terra Cotta Inn along with her husband Tom, realizes that many women are nervous about their first clothes free experience. She says, “Women tend to be judged more on their looks than men in our society. When they come to our resort, they see that almost no one looks like a model. They look just like everyone else and this makes for a joyful, fun first nude sunbathing experience.”

Many women still enjoy a glamorous feeling while on vacation, even while sunbathing naked, so Mary Clare decided to share her top 10 beauty secrets with first time clothing optional vacationers.

10) If you worry about existing tan lines - use a self tanner to blend color into your tanned skin.

9) If you use Retin- A, wear a floppy hat while in the sun.

Don’t wear heavy foundation or make up by the pool. Try a tinted moisturizer with at least a SPF 15 for a flattering glow.

7) Bikini wax at least one week in advance, so your newly exposed skin is not irritated by the sun.

6) Stay at a resort like ours with a salt water pool and whirlpool tub. This way your skin won’t dry out and you don’t have to worry about your lightened or highlighted hair turning green from chlorine.

5) Apply at least an SPF 15 sunscreen multiple times during the day. That includes on the sides and underside of your breasts, underarms, etc. You don’t want to ruin your romantic vacation with a sunburn.

4) No need to diet before going. You don’t have to worry how you look in a bikini or swimsuit, since your not wearing one.

3) Get a mani/pedi before going. Ask for a topcoat with UV filters to keep the color bright.

2) Fashionistas who still need their fashion moment in the sun, can wear slinky cover ups to match their sandals and hats or visors. If you like bling, wear flirty ankle chains or toe rings. Jeweled hair clips can complete your birthday suit ensemble.

1) Finally, to make the best use of your romantic time together, leave the cell phone in the room. Remember, you can’t hide a blackberry in your bikini if your not wearing one.

For more information about vacationing at The Terra Cotta Inn give them a call at 1-800-786-6938.

###

Contact Information
The Terra Cotta Inn Clothing Optional Resort and Spa
Tom Mulhall
1-800-786-6938
tom@sunnyfun.com
http://sunnyfun.com

Taveuni Palms, Fiji

Whether you are on your honeymoon, celebrating a 50th anniversary or just looking for a resort that is romantic. This is the place to travel,relax and enjoy.

The Taveuni Palms in Fiji is an intimate retreat offering two private guest houses, a secluded sandy beach, and even a freshwater swimming pool. The island has many spectacular things to offer, such as scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and many other vacation activities.

The Taveuni Island has always been known for its unique and colorful sea life, tropical fish, and amazing varieties of soft and hard coral. The Rainbow Reef, Great White Wall, Purple Wall, and Zoo dive sites are all within easy reach of the Taveuni resort.

The Great White Wall reef offers a tunnel with two exits, one at 33 feet and another at 88 feet. When you swim through it, you’ll notice a white glow that is given off by the soft corals that seem to surround you.

You’ll also find two dive centers that are minutes from Taveuni Palms, which offer you dive equipment and certified diving instructors. From beginners to expert divers, you can have a lot of fun scuba diving on your beach vacation.

Rooms and suites The two seperate beachfront villas at Taveuni Palms in Fiji come with their own staff to help make your vacation a bit more relaxing. The staff will make your dreams come true, as they offer full room support.

Each seperate villa offers a pool, two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms, and a very unique indoor/outdoor bathroom. The outdoor deck is equipped with chairs so that you can spend time outside as well, taking in the surrounding views of the ocean. The spectacular sunsets will turn into tropical nights - with stunning starlit skies.

Your personal maid at the villa will provide you with daily cleaning service, laundry service, fresh flowers, and evening turn down. The maids here are very professional, making your stay at the Taveuni Palms in Fiji one you’ll remember for years to come.

The resort will also provide you with your own private chef, kitchen, and bar staff who will provide your daily meals, which are included in the cost of your stay. This way, you don’t have to eat out - your food will be prepared for you at the resort.

Traveling and Getting to Taveuni. To get to Taveuni Palms, fly to Nadi International airport in Fiji. From there, catch a connecting flight to Taveuni Island where the Taveuni Palms staff will meet you at the airport, five minutes from the hotel.

Of course, wherever you travel, it is highly recommended that you take out travel insurance before embarking on any vacation. Unfortunately, without insurance, you have little recourse if you have to suddenly cancel your trip due to illness or other unforeseeable circumstances. Realize that resorts like this will expect to be paid no matter what. However, with travel insurance, you can recoup some or all of your costs if travel and vacation plans change. Travel insurance is very affordably priced, so please check out your options.

About the author

Robert Barner is a writer for the past 11 years. Frustrated by the lack of vision shown by the travel and vacation industry as a whole a free newsletter was started, travelvacationandgrowrich.com. This connects thousands of travelers to high quality resorts worldwide. The newsletter shows people how to travel at travel agent pricing with the ammenities. For more info: http://www.travelvacationandgrowrich.com

Colonia, NJ, June 28, 2007 –(PR.com)– www.travelgoindia.com launches new advanced search facility that helps customers search for hotels from 9 popular Travel sites all at once. It is an advanced and more powerful hotel booking engine that not only helps one search for hotels in India but “use new analyzer to narrow search results on the basis of price range, star ratings and amenities.”

Currency conversions of hotel rates in Euro, USD/Dollars, Pound, and INR/Indian Rupees are also possible for quick reference and accessibility. It allows guests to select and compare all their chosen list of hotels and search them further by their respective hotel names. Instant booking is another highly useful feature that helps travelers book at any time and whenever they decide to travel. Instant confirmations are also given. Real time booking facility is driven by the concept of last minute booking that always has room for more and more accommodation requests from eager travelers. This is a huge guarantee that the search engine offers which makes it a must visit for all those last minute travel planners.

Getting best price deals are even easier since not only can one search for Hotels and make instant hotel reservations through the best known India travel guide, www.travelgoindia.com, but also book cheap hotels and discount hotels through online hotel reservation facilities. Vacation packages along with hotel information are the best features of the advanced search engine.

Note to Editors

www.TravelGoIndia.com offers cutting-edge online real time booking facility, constant update on room availability and a comprehensive travel catalogue. Last minute booking is painless and always welcome. The essential travel information it shares with travel lovers with additional provision for car rental assistance, make this mini encyclopedia, an integral travel guide, offering king-size packages to anything smart, austere or purposeful. Visitors can also buy air tickets as and when required. Managed by a team of skilled and committed professionals, TravelGoIndia.com is a watershed in the history of Indian travel sector.

 Planning your first holiday especially on a cruise liner is always a challenge. You could get together with your family and friends and discuss your travel and vacation plans so as to get a better idea of what needs to be done. The best way is to book with a travel agent who will not only advice you on which cruise liner and destination you should be going to but also plan your entire itinerary including air travel to the port of embarkation. But before you proceed, let’s first answer some questions that are bound to pop up while planning your cruise.

What kind of cruise is suitable for your age group?

Typically, there are different kinds of cruises suitable for different age groups. You will find a cruise designed for all individuals, from the toddler to the teen to the retired. All you need to decide in who is going and then select the cruise best suited for you. There are fun-filled holiday cruises for the family, singles, newly-weds and even for the slightly older and matured.

What kind of budget are you on?

Typically, the minimum cost of per person per day is about $100 on an average cruise liner. Many ships charge extra for certain items and of course air-fare is not included in this. You can decrease the cost somewhat by sharing the cabin with another person, booking way in advance, like almost six months prior, or taking a risk and booking late, less than two months prior to departure.

How many days can you spend on your cruise?

If you have less than a week, then the options would be closer to home and restricted to Mexico, Bahamas or simply a weekend cruise to a port in the ocean and back. A complete week gives you more time and options range from the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Alaska and even the South Pacific, depending on of course your current residential location. Anything longer than that would be suitable for any kind of cruise vacation across the globe.

When would you be most likely to travel?

Obviously, cruise tickets are cheaper in leaner times like spring or fall and most expensive during the summer holidays. Winter is also considered high season when travelling to warmer locations like the Caribbean. Some locations like Alaska, Scandinavia and the Baltic have a shorter cruising season and will be open only between May and September. While Antarctic cruises are on between November and February, Mediterranean cruises can be taken all year round.

Where would you like to go?

With the earth being covered with 75% ocean, cruise ships today can reach any of the continents and traverse all across the globe. From the Americas to Austral-Asia, Africa to Antarctica, Bahamas to Bermuda, Europe to Canada, there are plenty of cruise destinations to choose from. Even land locked locations such as central Europe, Russia, or the Yangtze River in China can be reached on a river cruise. Always a challenge to decide your destination, it is important to keep all other factors like type of cruise, budget, length of vacation among others in mind.

What are your interests?

Although cruises provide all kinds of on board activities, your destination should be based on your interest. While European tours offer a good dose of culture for the history buffs, tropical destinations like the Caribbean and the South Pacific are for the beach lovers. Whether it is glacier watching in Alaska, deep sea diving in Australia or experiencing the fjords in Norway, you have to decide what you like to do best before you choose your cruise destination. Many cruises also offer a list of off-shore activities before you book, so make sure that you are well researched on that as well.

What kind of accommodation would you prefer?

Cabin selection typically depends on what your budget is. Sea view cabins are obviously more expensive than the lower deck ones. Also, if you are travelling to scenic places like Alaska or Scandinavia it would be preferable to have a view. Deck plans are available in hard copy, so make your decision after doing your homework and planning your budget.

What are your dress styles and eating habits?

In a move away from only formal wear, most cruise ships today are more relaxed and have only one or two nights of dress-up nights. The rest of the time, it is usually casual or country club style dressing. Typically there are two seating arrangements for dinner, one starting at 6:30pm and the other starting at 9:00pm. While early seating allows you plenty of time for late shows, it may rush your off shore excursions. Late seating on the other hand gives you time to relax but may hamper your late evening activities. Also, table seating is usually for four to eight persons and very rarely for two. If you do want a dinner for the twosome, you will have to make a prior request.

How do you get to the cruise ship?

Flying there or driving down if its close by are two of the most preferred options. Sometimes the cruise lines offer you a fly-cruise package, which is easier, but may be a trifle expensive than independent booking. These include transfers between the ship and the airport, which can again add up to the cost.

What are the documents needed?

Cruise vouchers and travel itineraries should typically reach you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly advised as a carry along document in case of any mishaps. Passports are needed for all international destinations.

About the author

Smith Chen is an author and internet marketing consultant.
Find more about Travel Info and review page more

Batangas is a province of the Philippines located on the southwestern part of Luzon in the CALABARZON region. Its capital is Batangas City and it is bordered by the provinces of Cavite and Laguna to the north and Quezon to the east. Across the Verde Island Passages to the south is the island of Mindoro and to the west lies the South China Sea.

Batangas is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Metro Manila. The province has many beaches and famous for excellent diving spots only a few hours away from Manila. Some of the more notable ones are Anilao in the Municipality of Mabini, Matabungkay and Punta Fuego in the Municipality of Nasugbu, the Municipality of Calatagan and Laiya in the Municipality of San Juan.

Found in the province is world-known Anilao (Mabini) and its many dive sites that are ideal for observing marine life, and outstanding for macro photography. Located only 110 kilometers south of Metropolitan Manila, it is very accessible by land or by sea.

Batangas is also where Taal Volcano, one of the Decade Volcanoes is located. The volcano has a water-filled crater and sits on an island in the center of Taal Lake, which geologists believe is an ancient caldera.

The town of Taal is famous for its hand embroideries, knives, and sausages; and it reigns as one of the two most culturally preserved sites of the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines.

Batangas is also generally accepted by linguists as the ‘Heart of the Tagalog Language’. Poetically, Batangas is often referred to by its ancient name Kumintang. (”Batangas.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 30 Jul 2007, 01:41 UTC. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 7 Aug 2007 .)

Getting In, and getting around Batangas

• Batangas City is 2 1/2 hours away from Manila. Tanauan City is about 1 1/2 hour away and in between Tanauan City and Batangas City, one will find Lipa City.
• Travellers can take air-conditioned buses in going to Batangas City. Those who want to go to Nasugbu, Calatagan and Lian towns (Matabungkay) can pass via the Tagaytay route.
• When driving one’s own vehicle to Tanauan-Lipa-Batangas City, travelers will pass through the South Luzon Expressway, then the STAR Tollway and can just follow the directional signs along the highway.
• For short trips in the desired destinations, passenger jeepneys abound, and then tricycles.

To get around you can use jeepneys to go to different parts of the province, but you can use tricycles for short trips, tricycles takes you to the exact place that you want to go because jeepneys have routes like buses do.

Things to see and do in Batangas

• Swim. The reef is carved to create small swimming areas at the foot of the ladders.
• Kick back, relax, and soak up the tropical ambiance. That’s what this place is all about!
• St. Martin de Tours Church, located in the Taal section of Batangasa, one of the biggest catholic churches in all of southeast asia.
• lots of beaches, resorts with swimming pools, and restaurants.
• Swimming and snorkeling around Sobrero island to see the corals. Beautiful colors!
• There are caged tigers you can see (but don’t get too close because they have a tendency to spray their territory frequently!).
• Taal Volcano at Taal Lake

What to buy in Batangas

• The Barong Tagalog, one of philippines trademarks, as it is worn during special occasions.
• The Balisong, butterfly knives, one of Batangueno’s trademark, as shown by Dencio Padilla in his movies. Theres a lot of imitations of Balisong, but the authentic ones are made in Barangay Balisong, in Taal town, Batangas, hence the name balisong…
• Batangas is famous for its panutsa (Peanut Brittle), Sinaing na Tulingan (small tuna in vinegar), suman (rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves), and the longganisa and tapa made in Taal Town, the achara of Calaca, and Bagoong of Balayan towns.
• Sweets like macapuno, ube and pastillas are famous in the town of Malvar, particularly the John & Janine Candies in San Gregorio Malvar Batangas.
• For Batangas Souvenirs and products, you may get in touch with the Batangas Province Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

What to eat and drink in Batangas

• Ask the locals about their “kilawin”, it is fresh fish soaked in vinegar and acidic juices like lemon, lime, or the local kalamansi, with lots of tiny chopped onions, fresh garlic, and hot peppers, its really good when the fish is still very fresh, as in just caught and straight ahead to the chopping board.
• Fried longganisa and Tapang Taal with Achara
• Beef Kaldereta and Beef Tadyang at the A & M Restaurant
• Hamburger at the Hungry Hippo in Batangas City
• Crispy Pata at The Only Place / The Other Place Restaurants
• Pritong Tilapia caught fresh from Taal Lake
• Maliputo is a delicious fish found only at Taal Lake
• Tawilis is another delicacy - small fishes caught only in Taal Lake
• Red Pancit from Letty’s in Batangas City

If you’re in the mood for a drink, Red Horse beer and Colt 45 are very popular for beers. if you want refreshing drink, try the mura juice with mura meat. its is young coconut juice with the fruit’s meat, really good when served very cold mixed with condensed milk for sweetness…

Try Lambanog from San Juan town. It’s a local brew from Cane.

Where to stay in Batangas

Days Hotel Batangas -  The Days Hotel Batangas is located in the Pallocan district of Batangas City, Philippines. more…

Microtel Inn Suites Batangas - Located on First Phillipine Natl Rd. Sto Tomas Ba, Philippines

(Content is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 1.0. - http://wikitravel.org/en/Batangas)

Harare is the capital of Zimbabwe. It has an estimated population of 1,600,000, with 2,800,000 in its metropolitan area (2006). It is Zimbabwe’s largest city and its administrative, commercial, and communications centre. It is a trade centre for tobacco, maize, cotton, and citrus fruits. Manufactures include textiles, steel, and chemicals, and gold is mined in the area. Harare is situated at an elevation of 4,865 feet (1,483 metres) and has a temperate climate. (”Harare.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 3 Aug 2007, 21:29 UTC. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 7 Aug 2007 . )

Its name is a derivative of a Shona tale. A King was seriously ill and his subjects thought that he was not going to ’sleep’ and live another day. In Shona ‘Ha a rare’ literally means He will not sleep. And the place where the sick king lived became to be known as ‘Chikomo che HA A RARE’ meaning the mountain where he won’t sleep.

Harare is home to some two million people, with most in central Harare but some 500,000 in the surrounding districts of Rural Harare, Chintungwiza and Epworth. Once a city of modern buildings, wide thoroughfares, numerous parks and gardens, it is now in increasing disrepair thanks to Zimbabwe’s economic downward spiral.

By Plane

Harare’s airport is the major gateway for flights into the country. Air Zimbabwe also operates a small network of domestic flights. International flights are easily available, with Air Zimbabwe with flights direct to London and Johannesburg. In recent times Air Zimbabwe flights often had to be cancelled due to a lack of spare parts and fuel. Flights are however more frequent now foreign airliners include South African Airways and low-fare Kulula.com, both flying from South Africa’s Johannesburg International Airport.

By Car

A National Road from Johannesburg allows easy access. Buses are easily available ranging from greyhound to the local ones for those saving

Getting Around

Although the best option to get around is by car, it can become difficult, as there are fuel shortages in Zimbabwe.

Since Zimbabwe redistributed farms, there have been limited exports, meaning there is no foreign currency available to import fuel into Zimbabwe. All gas stations in the country have been closed since about 2004, and the only way to buy fuel is on the black market from someone who has brought it in bottles in the back of his or her car from a neighbouring country. Buying and selling fuel is illegal in Zimbabwe, so be discreet. Prices are about 30-40% higher than those in South Africa (where the bulk of smuggled fuel comes from)

Roads: The condition of the roads in Zimbabwe has deteriorated dramatically in recent years since the government has failed to maintain them. Most of the country is now without street lights. The main highways are still in a good state of repair outside of the cities - traffic is so light now that damage from trucks is minimal. You should be OK without a 4×4 unless you head into rural areas and game parks. If you enter from South Africa, be sure that your insurance waiver is valid for travel in Zimbabwe.

Things to see

There is a strong appreciation for the city’s cultural and historical heritage and a number of the older buildings have been preserved. The Mining Pension Fund Building at Central Avenue and Second Street is one example and many more are to be found along Robert Mugabe Road between Second Street and Julius Nyerere Way.

• The National Gallery houses not only a valuable and interesting national collection but also hosts travelling international exhibitions and has a permanent display of some outstanding Shona soft-stone carvings.
• The priceless collection of Rhodesiana and Africana in the form of diaries, notebooks and reports of various origins, are housed in the National Archives. Some of the original works of some of the greatest names in African exploration and missionary can be viewed.
• Other institutions which are well worth visiting include the Queen Victoria Museum and the Queen Victoria National Library, both at the Civic Centre; in Rotten Row.
• The city was laid out with large open spaces like the 68ha National Botanic Garden with more than 900 species of wild trees and shrubs from all over the country. The Mukuvisi Woodlands is 277 hectares of remarkably preserved natural woodland that stances astride the banks of the small Mukuvisi stream. A variety of bird and of wild animal species such as giraffe, zebra, impala, tsessche, wildebeest, bushbuck, steenbuck, reed buck and eland can be viewed.
• The Kopje, a granite hill rising above the south-west corner of central Harare, is a great place to go for views of the city.

What to eat

Zimbabwe’s Staple food is Sadza: a thick white porridge (a bit like mashed potato), that’s made from corn meal. It’s eaten at every meal, accompanied by vegetables or meat in some form.

In Harare there are many westernised restaurants serving European or American style food - but far more exciting are the (surprisingly cosmopolitan) outdoor cafes:

• 40 Cork Road, Avondale, Harare is an outdoor cafe, art gallery, and sculpture garden. Very much the place to be seen.
• 167 Enterprise Road, Chisipite, Harare - an old house converted into a restaurant with a huge garden with a pool, an art shop, gallery etc…

What to drink

Try Chibuku, a popular local beer. It comes in “scuds” - large 2litre brown plastic containers. The beer is lumpy and opaque beige, but is surprisingly good, and painfully cheap.

Where to stay in Harare

Meikles Hotel - Corner Jaso Moyo - Harare, Zimbabwe The hotel is situated In The City Centre Opposite Africa Unity Square And Was Built In 1915 Showing A Long History Of Experience And Resilience.

Protea Hotel Harare Safari LD - Lake Chivero - Harare, Zimbabwe.  Situated On The Shore Of Lake Chivero, There Are 10 Lodges Built Out Of Rock, With Thatched Roofs. - There Are Also 12 Rooms In 2 Blocks, 6 Of Which Are Designed For Conference Delegates. All Rooms And Lodges Have En Suite Facilities.

The Spa at Forrestal, located within the Princeton Marriott Hotel and Conference Center at Forrestal, today announced a variety of spa packages. The newly created packages are ideal for a spa vacation getaway in Princeton, NJ. Whether guests prefer to escape for the weekend, enjoy midweek spa services or unwind after a business meeting, these luxury packages have been carefully designed to suit all needs. Guests may also take advantage of the fitness facilities and recreational equipment at the hotel, including a glass-enclosed, year-round lap pool, whirlpool and health club with brand new equipment and flat screen TVs.

Nestled in a 25-acre wooded retreat in Princeton, New Jersey, the Spa at Forrestal’s 15,000 square foot facility is an ideal escape for relaxing and refreshing the body, mind and spirit. Spa services include a variety of traditional and signature treatments for women, including body treatments, waxing, facials, massages, and nail services; as well as services for men. The Spa utilizes Skin Ceuticals, Decleor Paris and Dermalogica skin care products.

Guests may visit the Spa at Forrestal and treat themselves to one of the following luxury spa packages:

•Escape! Spa Package for One or Two:
A two-day/one-night escape, including spa treatment, meals and deluxe accommodations.

•Escape! Midweek Spa Package for One or Two:
A discounted two-day/one-night escape, including spa treatment, meals and deluxe accommodations.

•Escape! Spa Getaway Package for One or Two:
A three-day/two-night package for the veteran spa goer, including gourmet cuisine, deluxe accommodations and spa treatments.

•Escape! The Signature Spa Package for One or Two:
This package contains the best of the best! Every service has maximum pampering power to calm and soothe the senses.

To make your reservation, please visit www.princetonmarriott.com, or contact the hotel at 800-943-6709 or 609-452-7800. To contact The Spa at Forrestal directly, please call 609-897-7520 or 877-289-1152, or visit www.forrestalspa.com.

 BHRC.co.uk has launched Special Offers for hotels around venue for Carnaval del Pueblo, the UK’s largest Latin American Festival, taking place on Sunday, 5th August, 2007 at London.

Carnaval del Pueblo, now in its 9th year, is steadily developing a following, starting with 4000 in 1999 to over 100,000 visitors joining in the festivities last year. The float procession has 11 Latin American countries taking part and will travel from City Hall, via Tower Bridge and Elephant & Castle, to the festivals key location in Burgess Park, Camberwell.

Kate Sharman from BHRC (www.bhrc.co.uk) says “It is notoriously difficult to find good quality accommodation in South London, especially for dates around events, so BHRC is very pleased to announce the Church Street Hotel, Camberwell, as a new addition to the website. Visitors to the festival can make the most of their weekend and continue the fiesta in this Spanish- Americana Boutique Hotel, with rates starting from only £89 per night.”

Carnaval del Pueblo is London’s biggest and best-loved Latino event, and it attracts people from all communities across the country. The main venue at Burgess Park will host world class live music acts all day and a stall village, selling food and arts and crafts from Central & South American regions. There would be 4 stages with live entertainment from Latin America such as Brazil, Andean countries and space for the very popular Reggae and Latin Hip Hop for the young.

BHRC.co.uk has lined up early bird discounts in partnership with hotels around the venue and recommends early bookings to avoid disappointments with non-availability and price hike around the main event dates.