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The Burj al-Arab (Arabic: برج العرب, "Tower of the Arabs")

2007-08-16T17:12:00.000-07:00

Burj Al Arab Pictures & History & Location

The Burj al-Arab (Arabic: برج العرب, "Tower of the Arabs") is a luxury hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, built by Said Khalil. It was designed by Tom Wright of WS Atkins PLC. At 321 metres (1,053 ft), it is the tallest building used exclusively as a hotel.[2] However, the Rose Tower, also in Dubai, which has already topped Burj Al-Arab's height will soon take away this title upon its completion in 2007. The Burj Al-Arab stands on an artificial island 280 metres (919 ft) out from Jumeirah beach, and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. It is an iconic structure, designed to symbolize Dubai's urban transformation and to mimic the

"A nation's glory is measured by its past and present and its civilised development, perpetuating the memory of the past, the construction of the present and the planning of the future." H.H General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE.

Area: The total area of Dubai is approximately 2,428 sq miles.

History: The seven independent emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah came together to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the year 1971. While Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the UAE, Dubai remains its commercial centre.

Location: Dubai is located on the Eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, in the South West corner of the Arabian Gulf.

Weather: Dubai enjoys 365 days of warm sunshine, with cooler evenings and occasional showers in the months between November to March. 5 day forecast

Climate: The UAE has a sub-tropical, arid climate with infrequent and irregular rainfall, amounting to less than 13 centimetres a year. Temperatures range from a low of 10 degrees (Celsius) to a high of 48 degrees. The average daily maximum is 24 degrees in January, rising to 42 degrees in July.

Time zone: The UAE is 4 hours ahead of GMT (+4 GMT)

Population: Dubai is home to a little less than 1 million residents with 79% of the population employed.

Transport: Dubai offers a variety of inexpensive and efficient public transportation and you can choose between metered local taxis, intra-city and inter-city buses, private car hire services and abras (local boats).

Economy: The UAE is one of the world's wealthiest countries, with a GDP of US $54 billion (2000), and has the third-largest proven oil reserves in the world. While oil and gas production form its foundation, Dubai is increasingly broadening its economic activity to include: real estate, tourism, trading and manufacturing.

Cultural mix: Owing to the resources and foreign enterprises located in Dubai, more than 80% of the population are expatriates from across the globe and the city is home to almost 200 nationalities.

Alcohol: While alcohol is served at restaurants mostly located in hotels, it can also be purchased at the Arrival Duty Free store in Dubai International Airport or with a special permit valid for non-Muslim residents only. Dubai operates a zero tolerance policy to driving under the influence of alcohol.

Currency and credit cards: The official currency of the UAE is the Arab Emirates Dirham (AED or Dhs). Each Dirham is divided into 100 fils and is held constant against the US Dollar at an average of 3.67. All banks operate from 8.00am to 1.00pm, Saturday through Wednesday and 8.00am to 12.00pm on Thursdays. Currency exchange houses are open until late in the evening. All international credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Currency Converter

Dress code: Visitors are free to dress according to their personal choice. Dress sensibly, although very revealing clothes shouldn't be worn in public or places of worship. Shorts and skirts are acceptable for ladies. Most Emirati men and women still choose to wear the traditional national dress. Lightweight summer clothing can be worn for most of the year, but the temperature can drop quite sharply at night during the winter.

Electricity: The standard electricity supply is 220/240 volts. American appliances may need a transformer.

Hospitality: Dubai is extremely well known for its warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage, and the Emirati people are welcoming and generous in their approach to visitors.

Languages: While Arabic is the official language, English is very widely spoken, especially in business. Given the large size of the expatriate population, several other languages are also used in everyday life, headed by Hindi, Urdu and Farsi.

Photography: Photography of buildings and sights is widely acceptable. Local people, especially the women, do not take kindly to being photographed without their prior permission. In general, it is best to avoid taking photographs (or video footage) of any individual in a National Dress.

Safety and security: Dubai is a very safe city for visitors and residents alike, with minimal chances of untoward events. However, locking your car and minding your personal belongings is always recommended.

Visa regulations: Travellers holding passports with a right of residence in the following countries can get a visa on arrival at Dubai International Airport - a visit visa valid for 60 days is stamped directly in your passport by immigration officials:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, GCC Countries, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA, Vatican City

Useful Links
Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing
Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Dubai has a very eventful social calendar. With international sporting events, shopping and entertainment festivals, music and cultural programmes held at various indoor and outdoor venues all year around.

Varying from the world's richest horse race - The Dubai World Cup, and international jazz festivals, to the home grown Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai also hosts regionally significant exhibitions and trade shows on a regular basis.

While the actual dates of many important events are timed to match the season, the Lunar calendar and the holy month of Ramadan change from year to year. The chart below provides a guideline to the city's many events:

January - The Dubai Marathon, Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai International Jazz Festival, Emirates Cup Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, Dubai International Sailing Week Regatta
February - The Dubai Terry Fox Run, Dubai Tennis Championships
March - Dubai Desert Golf Classic, Dubai World Cup, Dubai International Kite Surfing Challenge
April - International Jewellery exhibition
May - Local and international events
June - Dubai Summer Surprises, UAE National Sailing Championship
July - Dubai Summer Surprises
August - Dubai Summer Surprises
September - Local and international events (Dubai, the City that Cares festival)
October - Gulf IT Exhibition (GITEX), UAE Desert Challenge
November - Horse racing season, Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race
December - Rugby 7s, Dubai Air Show, Dubai Grand Prix, National Day celebrations

Useful Links
We have provided a number of links below to help you find out more about Dubai's activities and events calendar. If you are unable to find the information you require, perhaps we can be of assistance. Please email us on info@jumeirah.com.

WhatsOnWhen
...what's on when in Dubai. Search the city's events by month, by interest or by location.

TimeOut Dubai
...from the award winning series of guides to the world's major cities, Time Out's Dubai Guide offers an exhaustive and lively insight into the city.

The city of Dubai embraces its namesake creek, dividing it into two halves. The main sightseeing circuit in Dubai is split between Bur Dubai and Deira which lie on opposite sides of the water, and the gently curving Dubai Creek is an attraction in itself. You will have plenty of opportunities for some brilliant views of the city from the water: gleaming skyscrapers on one side, and old trading dhows on the other.

Deira's many attractions include the historic quarter of Bastakia, as well as old souks and covered marketplaces. Wandering along the alleys, you can explore the Spice Souk and the Gold Souk. The Dubai Museum is housed within the beautifully restored Al Fahidi Fort, and is a must-see for first time visitors to Dubai. Built in 1799 to defend the city against invasion, it has served as both palace and prison and the museum's collection includes life-size figures and galleries depicting Arab houses, mosques, date gardens, desert and marine life.

On the Bur Dubai side, Heritage Village, located in the Shindagah area, is a family destination where you can watch potters, weavers and artisans at their crafts. The adjoining Diving Village offers a cultural microcosm of pearl diving and fishing. Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, a museum restored from the house of Dubai's former ruler and dating back to the late 1800s, is within the same complex. With its unusual layered rooms and authentic wind towers, Sheikh Saeed's House showcases regional architecture at its best.

If you drive west from the city centre, you will reach the popular suburb of Jumeirah, home to some of Dubai's finest luxury hotels and resorts, unspoilt stretches of sunny beaches and water sports complexes. In Jumeirah is the Grand Mosque, re-built in 1998, with the city's tallest minaret, nine large domes and 45 small domes - a distinguished landmark and an important place of worship.

About 115 kms south east of Dubai, in the heart of the rocky Hatta Mountains, is the 3000 year old Hatta Village, an important historical site for the region. The two towers overlooking the village used to be defence fortresses against hostile invaders, and during a relaxed day at the Village, you can visit the Houses of Traditional Handicrafts and Palm Products, The Castle Centre, and the 200 year old Sharia Mosque.

In contrast to the traditional attractions of Dubai and the surrounding areas, the city boasts world-class business and leisure facilities.

Ski Dubai
Dubai is home to Ski Dubai - the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. This unique resort spans 22,500 square metres, which is temperature controlled at -1° to -2°, and covered with real snow throughout the year. The theme of Ski Dubai is that of a mountain resort - with qualified instructors to guide you through the intricacies of learning to ski or snowboard. Inside the resort, a retail shop, themed restaurants and the world's largest Snow Park, offer something for everyone.

Dubai is a veritable shopper's paradise! Whether it is for gold, electronics, carpets, spices, textiles or more.

The city is one of the largest retail gold markets in the world, selling everything from ingots to intricately hand crafted jewellery, and bargaining is welcomed almost everywhere. The Gold Souk area in Deira has glittering street-front stores and hides dozens of alleys housing smaller shops. The newly built Gold and Diamond Park on Sheikh Zayed Road is an attraction for serious jewellery shoppers.

The city is also home to some of the Middle East region's most prestigious shopping malls, boutiques and department stores that house retailers of haute couture, hi-tech electronics, home furnishings and accessories or traditional Arabic crafts. Dubai is famous for offering top international brands at unbelievably reasonable prices.

The larger shopping mall complexes also house cinema theatres, food courts, entertainment centres and play areas for children, allowing for complete family shopping experiences.

Choose to browse through the older markets and the narrow walkways located in the Meena Bazaar, Karama and Naif areas, dedicated to inexpensive reproductions of international brands; leather goods and textiles; computer and electrical accessories and Arabic perfumes.

Most shopping venues and cultural destinations sell a range of gifts and souvenirs representing Dubai: The Seven Sands of the UAE, traditional Bedouin jewellery, sand art, packaged dates and date products, Arabic sweets, wooden crafts and palm leaf handicrafts.

Dubai is an exciting year round destination that offers unlimited opportunities for rest and recreation, be it a walk through a lush green family park, an adventurous day in the waters of the Arabian Gulf, or a pampering session at one of the many health spas.

Beaches: Some of Dubai's beaches are attached to private hotels, where, for a small fee, you can spend the day on the sand and in the waters of the Arabian Gulf. Other beaches and waterfronts - the Corniche and the Creek - are free for public access, and feature a range of water sports offered by several operators.

Desert safaris: One of Dubai's most popular tourist attractions is the desert safari: a unique experience that combines an adventurous 4WD car ride over sand dunes with camels, belly dancers, henna designers, falconers, and a barbecue dinner by starlight. Other attractions include sand skiing, sand boarding, sand karting and 4WD desert driving

Fishing: The warmth and shelter of the Gulf attract a large variety of fish, and several local companies provide full and half day trips to the best fishing waters about 12 kms offshore from the mainland.

Golf: Dubai has the unique distinction of being the only golfing centre in the world to host major international tournaments on both the European and Asian PGA circuits. Visiting golfers can choose from various clubs and courses, each of championship quality and presenting a different type of challenge.

Treatments and therapies: Dubai is home to an extraordinary number of spas and wellness clinics, ranging from internationally renowned brands to ancient Chinese and Indian holistic treatments

website: http://www.burj-al-arab.com/

Didim Türkbükü Turkey - Turkei Didyma

2007-08-16T16:49:00.000-07:00

Didim

Temple of Apollo in Didim, the ancient Didyma

Location in Turkey
Overview
Region Aegean Region, Turkey
Province Aydın Province
Population 37,395 (2000)
Area 402 km²
Elevation 29 m
Postal code 09
Area code 256
Licence plate code 09
Website http://www.didim.bel.tr
Governor website http://www.didim.gov.tr

Didim , home of the antique city of Didyma with its ruined Temple of Apollo, is a small town, popular seaside holiday resort and district of Aydın Province on the Aegean coast of western Turkey, 123 km from the city of Aydın.
Contents

Etymology

Didim takes its name from ancient Didyma, sited close to the town. During the Ottoman Empire the town was known as Yoranda or Yoran and under the Turkish Republic was called Hisar (meaning castle) and following its destruction in an earthquake in 1955 was rebuilt and renamed Yenihisar (new castle), but was later given the ancient name Didim to distinguish it from other places in Turkey called Yenihisar.

Geography

Didim is located on the north shore of the gulf of Güllük opposite the Bodrum peninsula villages such as Torba, Türkbükü and Yalıkavak. The district consists of Didim itself, a coastal town of 26,000 people and a number of small towns including Altınkum (which means golden sand), Gümüşkum (silver sand), Sarıkum (yellow sand) and, well you get the picture....

Tourism is the main source of income for the area, especially in summer, but agriculture is also an important contributor, the main crops are wheat and cotton. Animals, especially sheep and goats, are raised mainly for local consumption.

[edit] Tourism

This coast has thus become a very popular holiday resort and is genuinely attractive with its long sandy beaches, clear blue sea, ancient ruins to visit, and its own microclimate, benefitting from hundreds of days of sun a year and warm winters, allowing residents to enjoy the famous beaches and watersports even in January. Perhaps the most attractive bays are the smaller quieter ones further from the centre, such as Haydar, along a dirt road around the shore of Akbük (white bay). The village of Akbük is one of Didim's classiest, and has a yacht marina.

As Didim is so well-situated in the 1980s people from large cities around Turkey, especially Ankara, began to buy holiday homes, apartments, and villas in the area. Most of these were built as cooperative housing projects with private beaches. The attraction of the area is proved by the number of Ankara families that have now been going to Didim for two or more generations, and even today you will see many cars with Ankara (06) numberplates in Didim in summertime. Property values are now rising dramatically and the building boom continues as foreign buyers, especially the families of Turks living and working in Europe, follow their lead. The growth of Didim in the 1980s was enhanced with the building of hotels to accommodate visitors, originally from Britain but now from Turkey itself, on cheap package holidays. Since about 2001 British people have begun to buy holiday homes in Didim, establishing themselves as a visible community of many thousands, to the extent that utility bills in the district are now printed in English as well as Turkish. [1] You will see the Union Jack and other British flags all around Didim, especially in the bars.

Didim town has hotels, a weekly market, a waterpark and the antique temple of Apollo nearby. Didim is also close to a number of other ancient towns and natural wonders: Lake Bafa national park is nearby, along with the Büyük Menderes River and historic sites such as Miletos and Priene.

In the evenings most people try to find somewhere quiet to sit by the sea and look at the lights of other towns across the water, but if you are of a more energetic nature Didim has two or three discotheques, and a number of smaller bars and clubs, some with live music, mostly Türkü (Turkish folk music). However Didim is really a quiet family resort with great coastline, and if it's nightlife you are looking for you would be better off in Bodrum. Summer in Didim involves your father sitting on the balcony drinking rakı while you and your friends play volleyball, sit on the beach, or wander along the seafront munching sunflower seeds and spitting out the husks, while groups of boys will be following girls around. The local station, Didim TV, is in fact an amateur project by a TV repair shop owner and neighbourhood councillor (muhtar), and is mostly adverts for local shops and hotels.

[edit] History

See Didyma for a full account of this ancient city, settled in the neolithic period, established as colony of Mycenae and then Crete in the 16th century BC and subsequently possessed by Persians, Ancient Romans, and Byzantines as part of the province of Caria. The area came into the hands of Turks following the defeat of Byzantium at the Battle of Malazgirt in 1071.

Kemer - Turkey

2007-08-16T16:45:00.000-07:00

KEMER TURKEY

Kemer is a seaside resort and a district of Antalya Province on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, 40 km west of the city of Antalya.

Kemer is on the Gulf of Antalya, 53 km of sea coast with the skirts of the western Taurus mountains behind. The coast has the typical Mediterranean hot, dry weather and warm sea. Until the early 1980s this was a quiet rural district but today the town of Kemer and coastal villages in the district play a very important part in tourism in Turkey.
Contents

History

Research shows only that Kemer was the Lycian town of Idryos.

Kemer was called Eski Köy (old village) until in 1916 - 1917, a 23 km long stone wall was built to channel the mountain stream water and protect the town from flooding, which until then had been a persistent problem. The name Kemer refers to those walls.

Until the 1960s there was no coast road and the district was accessible only by boat. Then a road was built and from the 1980s onwards this was followed by a great investment in infrastructure, planned by the state and funded by the World Bank, aimed at developing a large tourist trade.
Moonlight beach near Kemer

Tourism in Kemer

One of the major attractions of Kemer is its natural beauty; sea, mountains and pine forest combine in harmony. The shore from Beldibi to Tekirova consists of unspoilt beaches in bays of various sizes, mostly stoney rather than sand. With easy transportation, good communication and other municipal services Kemer has a large proportion of the hotel bed capacity of the Antalya region, and is a comfortable and peaceful holiday coast with internationally accepted reputation, attracting large numbers of visitors from countries such as Germany, The Netherlands and in recent years predominantly families from Russia. Many of the visitors come as part of low-cost all-inclusive package deals but tourism is still the mainstay of the local economy. There are so many vistors that most shops in Kemer are set up to sell things like leather jackets to overseas visitors and trade in the euro as well as the Turkish lira.

The town of Kemer is vibrant with clubs, bars and restaurants, blue flag beaches and a 320 capacity yacht marina. Popular coastal villages include Beldibi, Kiriş, Çayova, Aslanbucak, Kuzdere, Beycik, Çamyuva, Göynük, and Çıralı.

Annual events in the area include art exhibitions in Phaselis, boat races, rally driving, and Kemer Carnival. Stars of Turkish pop music, such as Tarkan, give summer concerts on this coast.

Places of interest

Sites of natural beauty

* Adrasan Bay - 2 kilometres of beach
* The Çıralı village and pristine 4 km beach. Popular for nature walks and sections of the Lycian Way
* Üç Adalar (Three Islands) - popular with divers
* The canyon of Göynük
* İkiz Kayalar (Twin rocks)
* The village of Ulupınar, with its mountain spring water.
* There are a number of interesting caves including Beldibi, and the Molla hole in the east face of Tahtalı mountain.

And of course the Taurus mountains offer many places for walking or a tour by jeep.

Historical sites

* Chimaera - the natural burning rock of Greek mythology.
* The ancient cities of Phaselis and Olympos
* The town of Kemer itself has some remains of antique Idryos, a Byzantine church and a Seljuk Turkish hunting lodge.

Twin towns

* Kemer is a twin town of Schwabach since 1998.

Antalya - Adalia / Turkey - wonderful city

2007-08-16T16:43:00.000-07:00

(formerly known as Adalia; from Pamphylian Greek: Αττάλεια Attália) is a large town and tourist destination, situated on the Mediterranean coast of southwestern Turkey. It is the capital city of Antalya Province. The population of the city is 603,190 (2000 census) but reaches up to two million in summers at the height of tourism season.

Situated on a steep cliff over the Mediterranean, Antalya is a picturesque city surrounded by mountains. Developments in tourism, starting in the 1970s, have transformed the city into an international resort. With its airport and central location, Antalya is "the capital of Turkish tourism", a gateway for the Turkish riviera and many historical sites. Furthermore, with its palm-lined boulevards, its prize-winning marina, the unspoilt historical neighbourhood of Kaleiçi, and the modern developments along the coast, the city of Antalya is a major attraction in its own right. Antalya and its surroundings are a very important part of Turkish tourism.

Antalya city corresponds to the lands of ancient Pamphylia to the east and Lycia to the west. Antalya has plenty of accommodation, a very hot climate and many places to visit both in and around the city, including traces of Lycian,Pamphylian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman architecture and cultures.

Bodrum Castle - Turkey - Holiday

2007-08-16T16:36:00.000-07:00

Bodrum Castle

Bodrum Castle (Bodrum Kalesi), located in southwest Turkey in the city of Bodrum, was built by the Knights Hospitaller starting in 1402 as the Castle of St. Peter.

Thomas Docwra was one time captain of the castle. In 1522 when faced by attack from Sultan Suleiman, the Grand Master of the Hospitallers ordered the Castle to be repaired. In desperation, the Hospitallers broke open the Mausoleum, finding all sorts of elaboratedly adorned marble blocks and carvings which they admired but nevertheless destroyed, using the debris as building material. They also discovered the sarcophagus of Mausolus, but this was stolen during the night. The Knights Hospitaller were soon defeated and driven from Bodrum. Some decorative slabs have been found in the ruins of the Castle, one slab has turned up in Genoa.

In 1846 Lord Stratford de Redeliffe, the British Ambassador to Constantinople obtained permission to take twelve slabs showing a combat between Greeks and Amazons. Charles Newton conducted excavations and removed a number of stone lions in 1856. Presently, these are all to be found at the British Museum.

About Bodrum - Turkey - Bodrum History and Pictures

2007-08-16T16:33:00.000-07:00

Halicarnassus, Turkish: Halikarnas - from Greek Αλικαρνασσός-, and also, during the Middle Ages Petronium) is a Turkish port in Muğla Province. It is on the Bodrum Peninsula, near the northwest entrance to the Gulf of Gökova, and faces the Greek island of Kos. Today, it is a center of tourism and yachting. It is the ancient Halicarnassus of Caria, renowned for the mausoleum of Maussollos.

The town is very popular tourist resort for northern Europeans due to its attractive coastline and active night-life (Bodrum has been humorously referred to as the "Bedroom of Europe"). It can safely be said that every year at least a few hundred thousand tourists visit Bodrum. The current population is 32,227 (2000 census). In the town there is also a football team called Bodrumspor founded in 1931.

A fishing village until the early 1970s, Bodrum is built on the ruins of ancient Halicarnassus. It is now Turkey’s liveliest resort, attracting poets, singers, artists and package tourists. Its perfect harbour was colonized by ancient Greeks in the 11th century BC and the city later flourished under Persian rule. It was nominally the capital city of the satrapy of Caria; its location ensured the city enjoyed considerable autonomy.

It was here that the historian Herodotus (484–420 BC) was born, but Halicarnassus’s greatest glory was under Mausolus, who ruled on behalf of the Persians from 377 to 353 BC. When he died in 353 BC, his wife, Artemisia II of Caria, employed the ancient Greek architects Satyros and Pithios, and the four sculptors Bryaxis, Scopas, Leochares and Timotheus for to build a monument, a tomb to him. His tomb is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and was so well-known that it gave us the word “mausoleum”. Originally a temple-like structure decorated with reliefs and statuary on a massive base, only the foundations and a few pieces of sculpture now remain. After the brief tenure of the Knights of St John, who founded the Castle of St Peter in 1404, the city sank into obscurity. The castle and its town became known as Petronium, whence the modern name derives. Suleiman the Magnificent conquered Petronium for the Ottomans in 1522. Today, the sheltered anchorage is busy with luxury yachts and locally-built gulets used by seafaring holidaymakers.

Bodrum was the city of Halikarnassos in ancient times, an important port in the center of the old world, home to one of the wonders of the ancient world, the Mausoleum. Modern Bodrum is to Turkey, what Cannes is to the South of France.. It is everything and anything you want it to be, historic, interesting, relaxing, lively and within 10 minutes of unspoiled countryside.

An imposing Crusader Castle overlooks the harbor and the International Marina. When you have had enough of the many harbor-side bars, restaurants and historical sights, there is still a whole peninsula to explore. Mountains and green valleys, traditional villages and isolated beaches, all within view of the warm clear waters of the Aegean Sea.

Hotel Delfi - Turkey - Bodrum

2007-08-16T16:30:00.000-07:00

In the centre of Bodrum, and only 300 meters from the beach, 35 km to airport, Hotel Delfi is situated amongst evergreen mandarin trees, has helpful, friendly and experienced staff and is just steps away from the town’s shopping, sight-seeing attractions and night spots.

Hotel Delfi offers 50 twin bedded rooms (some suites) and 5 aparts, 8 studios. All room have air-conditioning(market), hairdryer, TV, minibar, satellite(sky digital), private shower/WC, telephone, radio, central heating; all face the swimming pool. Our restaurant (200 pers. capacity) serves tasty dishes of the Ottoman cuisine, seafood and international specialities, also catering for private functions for up to 500 persons. Additional features include a swimming pool, children’s playgarden, conference room, table tennis, dart & pool table safe deposit boxes, internet, carpark, laundry service, Turkish bath, two bars serving all types of cocktails and spirits, telex, fax and private taxi rank.

Umurca Mah., Dere Sok. No:57 48400 Bodrum - Turkey
Tel: +90 (252) 316 4085 / 313 3826 / 313 5255
Fax: +90 (252) 313 3827
Web: www.delfihotel.com
e-mail: delfi@delfihotel.com

ATTALEIA

2007-08-16T16:22:00.000-07:00

ATTALEIA is a place in Belek, a part from paradise, 35 km. far from the Antalya Airport and 45 km. far from the Antalya Centrum. The facility is located on a wide area of 150 acres and has been giving service with its first class equipment and service since 1993 in the nature with unique beauty that has been taken under protection on the Mediterranean Coast.

You can stay in ATTALEIA for holiday purposes. It also gives service for the congress and seminar meeting groups with its salons with various dimensions and with its equipment.

ADDRESS	:	Belek Turizm Merkezi, Taşlıburun Mevkii, Serik-ANTALYA-TURKEY
TEL	:	+ 90.242.725 43 01 (15 Lines) - +90.242.725 41 17 (6 Lines)
FAX	:	+90.242.725 43 24 / 25
WEB		www.attaleia.de

Brisbane Holiday Village

2007-08-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

Brisbane Holiday Village is a unique tourist/caravan park offering self-contained holiday cabins, caravan sites, tent sites and extensive array of on-site facilities. Guests can take advantage of its central location for sightseeing in and around Brisbane, the Gold Coast (40 minutes) and Sunshine Coast (60 minutes).

The Village is a 10-12 minute drive to the Brisbane CBD, South Bank, Suncorp Stadium and other local attractions. Garden City Shopping Centre, ANZ/QEII Stadium and restaurants are just around the corner and public transport facilities run from outside the Village Reception daily.

Brisbane Holiday Village (BHV) is located in Brisbane - Queensland - Australia. Below are some driving instructions to assist you in locating BHV. Choose the appropriate instructions, based on the direction in which you are headed. We suggest that you download a copy of the map to assist you.

Street Address
10 Holmead Road
Eight Mile Plains Queensland 4113
Brisbane - Australia
Phone 07 3341 6133 - International Phone +61 7 3341 6133
Fax 07 3341 0274 - International Fax +61 7 3341 0274

Travelling North on the Pacific Motorway
Take exit number 14 off the Pacific Motorway (3). This is the Mt Gravatt-Ipswich exit. At the first set of traffic lights, turn right into Logan Road (95). Pass under the motorway and at the traffic lights turn right into Holmead Road. Brisbane Holiday Village is 300m on the left.

Travelling South on the Pacific Motorway
Take exit number 14 off the Pacific Motorway (3). This is the Logan Road exit. At the first set of traffic lights drive straight ahead into Holmead Road. Brisbane Holiday Village is 300m on the left.

Travelling South on the Gateway Motorway
Take the Rochedale-Eight Mile Plains exit off the Gateway Motorway (1). At the first set of traffic lights turn right into Miles Platting Road (56). Follow for 1km, then at the traffic lights turn right into Logan Road (95). Follow Logan Road, pass under the motorway and at the traffic lights turn right into Holmead Road. Brisbane Holiday Village is 300m on the left.

Travelling East on the Logan Motorway
Take the Gateway Motorway (4) exit off the Logan Motorway (4). Follow for approximately 4km and take the Kingston Road (95) exit. This road becomes Logan Road (95). Follow for approximately 2km, pass under the motorway and at the traffic lights turn right into Holmead Road. Brisbane Holiday Village is 300m on the left.

Travelling East on the Ipswich Motorway
Take the Granard Road (2) exit off the Ipswich Motorway (2) to head east. This road becomes Riawena Road (2) and then Kessels Road (2). At the traffic lights near Garden City Shopping Centre, turn right into Logan Road (95). Follow for approximately 1km and at the traffic lights turn left into Holmead Road. Brisbane Holiday Village is 300m on the left.

Burj Al Arab - best of the wold - Wonderful Pictures

2007-08-16T15:49:00.001-07:00

Burj Al Arab Pictures & History & Location

Area: The total area of Dubai is approximately 2,428 sq miles.

Location: Dubai is located on the Eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, in the South West corner of the Arabian Gulf.

Weather: Dubai enjoys 365 days of warm sunshine, with cooler evenings and occasional showers in the months between November to March. 5 day forecast

Time zone: The UAE is 4 hours ahead of GMT (+4 GMT)

Population: Dubai is home to a little less than 1 million residents with 79% of the population employed.

Electricity: The standard electricity supply is 220/240 volts. American appliances may need a transformer.

Hospitality: Dubai is extremely well known for its warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage, and the Emirati people are welcoming and generous in their approach to visitors.

Useful Links
Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing
Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry

January - The Dubai Marathon, Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai International Jazz Festival, Emirates Cup Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, Dubai International Sailing Week Regatta
February - The Dubai Terry Fox Run, Dubai Tennis Championships
March - Dubai Desert Golf Classic, Dubai World Cup, Dubai International Kite Surfing Challenge
April - International Jewellery exhibition
May - Local and international events
June - Dubai Summer Surprises, UAE National Sailing Championship
July - Dubai Summer Surprises
August - Dubai Summer Surprises
September - Local and international events (Dubai, the City that Cares festival)
October - Gulf IT Exhibition (GITEX), UAE Desert Challenge
November - Horse racing season, Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race
December - Rugby 7s, Dubai Air Show, Dubai Grand Prix, National Day celebrations

WhatsOnWhen
...what's on when in Dubai. Search the city's events by month, by interest or by location.

TimeOut Dubai
...from the award winning series of guides to the world's major cities, Time Out's Dubai Guide offers an exhaustive and lively insight into the city.

In contrast to the traditional attractions of Dubai and the surrounding areas, the city boasts world-class business and leisure facilities.

Dubai is a veritable shopper's paradise! Whether it is for gold, electronics, carpets, spices, textiles or more.

The larger shopping mall complexes also house cinema theatres, food courts, entertainment centres and play areas for children, allowing for complete family shopping experiences.

Treatments and therapies: Dubai is home to an extraordinary number of spas and wellness clinics, ranging from internationally renowned brands to ancient Chinese and Indian holistic treatments

website: http://www.burj-al-arab.com/

Bora Bora Lagoon Resort - Best of the hotels - Top5 Hotel

2007-08-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

Bora Bora Lagoon Resort

The Hotel Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa is elegance defined.

Boasting both beach and overwater bungalows, the resort's accommodations exude authentic Polynesian charm, and are certain to impress you.

The schedule of activities is sure to match your appetite for adventure.

Bora Bora Lagoon Resort offers five different styles of accommodation.

Overwater End of Pontoon Bungalows

These bungalows are arranged in three separate villages and oriented to views and sunlight with privacy as a key consideration. Each village is near the beach, swimming areas and communal pavilion.

There are six Overwater End of Pontoon Bungalows at Bora Bora Lagoon Resort located at the end of the connecting teak walkways offering unobstructed views of Mt. Otemanu and the alluring blue lagoon.

Each bungalow is furnished with a king bed and a private deck from where steps lead directly into the lagoon.

The beautiful underwater sea life can be admired or fed through the illuminated glass-topped coffee table.

Overwater Bungalows

The resort has 44 Overwater Bungalows lined along three walkways arrayed from the beach over the lagoon.

Each bungalow is furnished with a king or two twin beds and a private deck from where steps lead directly into the lagoon. The beautiful underwater sea life can be admired or fed through the illuminated glass-topped coffee table.

One Bedroom Suites

Of the three one-bedroom suites at Bora Bora Lagoon Resort, one is located on the main beach and the other two are located on the second beach. Comprising of a bedroom, separate living room with a daybed, these suites offer enough space to accommodate a rollaway. Step outside on your deck to access your private garden and private plunge pool. This is perfect for a couple with one or two children.

Motu Bungalows

The resort's twenty motu bungalows allow direct access to the beach. Step off the private deck onto the white sand, you are only steps away from the lagoon. King or two twin beds are available.

Two Bedroom Villa with Private Pool

Bora Bora Lagoon Resort's Two-Bedroom Villa is steps away from the beach.

The double-doored entrance opens to a stone-tiled living room from where you can view Mt. Otemanu through the sliding glass doors.

Off to each side of the living area are the bedrooms and adjoining bathrooms. Both bathrooms are tiled in natural stone colors with a shower, separate bathtub and private slate-stone outdoor shower.

This suite offers a private infinity-edged pool surrounded by a wooden deck and garden. This is ideal for a family with small children, as they can be accommodated under one roof, yet the parents can still have some privacy.

All rooms at Bora Bora Lagoon Resort feature:

Each bungalow is built in the traditional Polynesian style with thatched roofs made from pandanus leaves.

Inside, high-polished Yucca wood floors, Kaori wood walls, Kohu wood floor-to-ceiling louvers and timber blinds, authentic local-style furnishings, a two-meter couch in the living room.

Air conditioning, a bathroom with bathtub, separate shower and double basins, hairdryer, bathrobes, minibar, private safe, television, DVD player, tea & coffee making facilities, ceiling fan, direct dial telephone and iron & ironing board.

Pool at Bora Bora Lagoon Resort

A 160’ freshwater free-form pool is located in the middle of the garden, close to the Café Fare and the Rotopa Bar.

The pool is deep enough to take initiation dives, so you can practice your scuba diving in the pool before taking to the beautiful lagoon.

The Only Treetop Spa in French Polynesia

Located on a small motu in the middle of the most beautiful lagoon in the world, Maru Spa is the most authentic Polynesian Spa in the Pacific Ocean.

It overlooks the lagoon and faces Mount Pahia. High up in the branches of two giant Banyan trees, the wooden cabins are almost hidden making it the ultimate place to experience wonderful treatments, listening to the soft breeze of the wind in the leaves.

Maru Spa's Polynesian influence echoes in the signature treatments available. Locals have kept the knowledge of using plants, flowers and specific fruits such as the Moni for medicinal or cosmetic purposes, but the Tahitian recipes that use the Monoi oil are known the world over for their benefits on hair and skin.

The Monoi oil itself is the basis of Maru Spa's signature treatments. "Monoi" comes from the Maohi for sacred oil and results in the maceration of coconut, plants and fresh Tiare flowers.

Every meal at Bora Bora Lagoon Resort's two restaurants will be a feast for the senses and a visual treat.

If you want to truly pamper yourself during your vacation to paradise, stay at the Hotel Bora Bora Lagoon Resort.

Tahitian Wedding Ceremony

Imagine your marriage ceremony... the riveting sound of rhythmic drum beats echoing over the water, the savage cries of a warrior, the soft gestures of Polynesian girls dancing on the sand, and the strange incantations of the tahuia as he intones the ancient, sacred rites. While it is neither legal nor binding, there is no more exotic way to declare your vows to each other!

The ceremony takes place on the main beach of the resort, which is decorated in the Tahitian manner. You will be prepared according to traditional Polynesian customs, wear typical Tahitian wedding attire, and you will each receive a Polynesian name.

To continue the celebration of your special day, you will enjoy an intimate dinner in Bora Bora Lagoon Resort 's Otemanu Restaurant in the evening.

Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa
Motu Toopua
BP 175 - 98730 Vaitape
Bora Bora, Polynésie Française

Toll free:+800 860 4095
Tel: +689 60 40 00
Fax: +689 60 40 01
email: reservations@bblr.pf

Réservations TéléphoniquesOrient-Express

USA & Canada	800 237 1236 (nº vert)
RU	+44 20 7960 0500
Allemagne	+49 221 33 80 300
France	+33 1 55 62 18 00
Autriche, Suisse & Pays-Bas	00800 160 160 70 (nº vert)

Si votre pays n’apparaît pas dans la liste ci-dessus, merci de cliquer ici pour la centrale de réservation Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises la plus proche.

webpage: http://www.boraboralagoon.com/