Ocean Sports Beach Hotel

Ocean Sports opened in 1957 and was the first hotel at Watamu. This small family-run hotel is popular with British Kenyans. The hotel is ultracasual and relaxed-bare feet and first names. It appeal to families and does a lot of repeat business.

As the name suggests, there is an emphasis on ocean sports. There is a diving school and opportunities for deep sea fishing. The bar is alive with fishing tales and heavy with fishing trophies.(It boasts more impressive catches than its up market neighbor, Hemingway's, but has been at it a lot longer.)

The bar and dining rooms have good views over the ocean, and there is a large outdoor terrace just steps off the beach. A good basic seafood menu is offered. There is a smallish pool and many paths winding among colorful bougainvillea. Ocean sports offer dhow trips on Mida Creek. Tennis and squash are also available on the premises.

Ocean Sports has character. It is low Kenya and has an established air-quite a contrast to some of the glitzier, more uniform large hotels which cater primarily to package tours from Europe.

Accommodations at the Ocean Sport Club

A series of cottages are built along a small hill behind the main hotel. There are 25 standard rooms and four air-conditioned rooms. The rooms are basic and quite spacious, each with a private bathroom. There is a charming lack of uniformity. One cottage is a quant little double storey "house", another has four double rooms and a large shared veranda. Afternoon tea is served on your private veranda. Some cottages glimpse the sea through vegetation.

Blue Bay Village Hotel

This is another Italian hotel with architectural and decorative flair. It has wonderful soaring thatch, fresh white wash, and opulent use of Lamu furniture and rich fabrics. This hotel has an unusual central"courtyard" Which is spacious and open to the sky. It is dominated by a pool and surrounded by boutiques, restaurant, lounge areas and s simply beautiful high roofed lobby. The restaurant serves Italian cuisine and has a window wall overlooking the ocean.

You walk on to the beach through a large carved door. Built at the edge of a bay, Blue Bay village uses two beaches. If one is marred by seaweed, the other is usually clean white coral sand. Beach loungers are arranged on the sand and volleyball net invites some exercise.

Accommodation is separate thatched cottages in verdant gardens. Most do not have ocean views. Although the clientele is almost exclusively Italian, this hotel can be booked in Kenya.

Mrs. Simpson's House in Malindi Kenya

Mrs. Simpson has been hosting guests at her rambling and informal beach home for nearly 20 years. She has lived in Kenya since 1923, and at her advanced age is still active in Marine Conservation.

There is room for seven people on full –board basis, but Mrs. Simpson often takes more, and somehow finds everyone a bed, a mosquito net, lamp and sheets. In her words, she "runs the house as a party". The guests are mixed group of families, researchers and young world travelers who are happy with basic but friendly accommodations. They all eat together with Mrs. Simpson, and afternoon tea is a communal affair. As Mrs. Simpson says her house "is not a smooth place" –showers are cold, some share bathrooms, and some guests' even sleep on the roof.

Her trained staff can take people goggling or birding in the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, and guests can rent the house sailboat. The house is very informal and full of old worn furniture and books. Guests were complimentary about the meals and especially enjoy the company of Mrs. Simpson, who is a keen naturalist.

Diani Sea lodge

This is advertised as the bungalow beach hotel with 135 Swahili-style bungalows set far back from the beach in established gardens. All have a terrace, shower and AC. Some have an extra bedroom. Closer to the beach is a ten-room apartment with sea views.

The main building has shops, a disco, a bar and a restaurant which looks towards the kidney-shaped pool and the sea beyond. There is also a toddlers' pool, a children's playground, and a pool bar which serves snacks. Sports options include tennis, table tennis, mini-golf and billiards as well as the usual selection of water sports and activities. Shady lawns with wooden loungers stretch down to the beach. The hotel is run by German owners.

Diani Sea Resort

The new beach resort is part of the German Welcome inn Hotels. The architecture is plain, with the central wing distant from but facing the sea and two side wings angled towards it. The beach hotel has 340 beds, standard and family rooms, and several suites. The dining area is at the top of a long sloping central garden. Exposed pathways shimmer in the sun.

Rooms are spacious with air conditioning and private bathrooms with showers. Light-giving French doors open to the terrace or garden. The roof at the foot of the central garden area has an island and water slide. There are sports and resort facilities. This hotel has yet to develop any character but at least it's new and very clean.

Leisure lodge beach hotel

This large beach resort on Diani Beach is a classy hotel club-casino combination specializing in catering to tour group clientele from Germany. Leisure Lodge has a hotel section which is closer to the ocean, as well as a more exclusive club set in the gardens far from the beach.

A huge reception area leads into a glitzy shopping arcade, followed by a Casino. Beyond are terraces, bars, and restaurants, some with sea view. There is red tile underfoot and the cooling peaks of high thatched domes above.

The hotel has more than 200 double rooms in several multi level blocks stretched along the property to one side, some with good sea views. All have air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms. There is one hotel swimming pool.

Although farther from the sea, the club is very exclusive and more up market than the hotel. Entry to the club is carefully restricted. The 116 rooms are more luxurious with elegant décor. There are 16 deluxe suites and two swimming pools. Pretty walk ways pass over lily ponds. There are lawns, colourful flower beds and a dining terrace. The golf course is highly recommended.

Special offerings

Guests of both hotel and club share resort facilities, casino, restaurants, beach lounger rental, windsurfing with lessons, a PADI Diving school, four floodlit tennis courts, a golf course, horse riding on the beach or inland, beauty salon, massage parlor, and bus service to Mombasa.

Trade Winds Beach Hotel

This hotel can accommodate approximately 200 people. Public rooms and old wing rooms have a faded décor. The newer wing with Arab style windows is set farther back from the beach. There is a large but pool and a nice beach front.

Malaga is a beautiful city and one that should not be missed. There is a lot to do and see without Malaga as well as in the entire Costa del Sol region. You will find the nightlife to be supreme as is the shopping, the historical sites and museums as well as the luxurious accommodations. For the tourist, it is a true paradise lurking here.

Malaga city was at one time occupied by the Moors. It quickly became a center of trade on the Iberian Peninsula. For this reason, there were a number of fortresses erected throughout. In fact, you can still see many of these wonderful locations today as they mark the victory over the invasion by Isabella and Ferdinand in the later part of 1400's. Still, there is much more to see here in terms of history as there have been many cultures that have played a role in this country's history including the Romans, the Greeks and the Phoenicians. You can find much of the old historical sites that play homage to this area.

In order to come into Malaga City, you can visit through the Malaga Airport which is about 8km from the center of the city at its western point. This air port is ideal for any travel throughout the region of Costa del Sol. You will find it is a fully functioning air port with more than 60 major cities coming into it. From here, there are a variety of ways to get into the city including by bus and car.

There is quite a bit to see when you arrive in Malaga City. One of the most ideal locations to visit includes the vast number of cathedrals and churches that are located throughout the region. You will find The Cathedral that was build during the 1528 to 1782 span which actually stands on a location that was at one time a mosque.

Another place to visit is the Castillo de Gibralfaro which is a castle that is known as the marking point of Ferdinand and Isabella, an invasion that spanned several months. Before this point, it was a lighthouse and thus got its name from this.

Alcazba is a fortress that is well worth visiting. Here, the city held its first Catholic Mass after the siege of Christians. When you visit this location you will find some of the most amazing gardens as well as a museum.

History is not all that you will find in the city, though. The Calle Marques de Larios is the main street in the city and anyone that enjoys shopping will appreciate it. There are some of the world's best boutiques located here. Also visit the Plaza de la Constitucion where you will find more bargains and some great souvenirs here. You will find more affordable purchases down the side alleys in the area too.

With airlines attempting to limit the number of bags that you can check by charging per extra piece of luggage and TSA restrictions on what you can bring on board in your carry-on luggage, it's more important than ever that travelers learn how to pack light – and pack smart.
Any time you start making up your packing list for your vacation – even when packing for a cruise – it's wise to check out the TSA website to see what the current regulations are regarding what, exactly, you can bring with you on the plane. You probably already know that you can't bring knives, swords, guns or ice picks on the plane, but you may not be aware that most sporting equipment must be checked, too, including baseball bats and pool cues. Packing with airport security in mind can be confusing – you can pack scissors and screwdrivers in your carry-on luggage if they're less than 7 inches in length, but you'd better not pack a snow globe. You may bring up to four books of matches, but no lighter. Your carry-on can include a 3 oz. or smaller container of gel sports supplement, but not gel-lined show inserts.

Absurd? Absolutely. But there's nothing you can do about it, so your best bet is to know ahead of time what the current airline carryon regulations are, and plan accordingly. One way to get around some of the more annoying TSA rules is to purchase travel products that are designed to pass inspection. Several companies offer these products or you can shop at your local Target store's travel product aisle (the best I've found) with "liquid, gel and aerosol" in mind.

Knowing the rules is especially important if, like many travelers, you intend to pack just one bag so you can get from car to airplane to cruise and back again without any of your belongings going missing. Packing light for trips takes a bit of clever planning, but it can be done. When making up the packing list for your trip, pare down to essentials – necessary toiletries and medications (including basic first aid like Band-Aids and aspirin); important documents like your passport and plane tickets; simple clothes that withstand wrinkling and can be worn in a variety of situations (or, better yet, just leave vanity at home and resign yourself to being mismatched and rumpled); and the barest minimum of small appliances like hair dryers and travel irons.

If you're vacationing, you'll probably pick up a number of books, pamphlets, brochures and informational materials while sightseeing – pack a large manila envelope at the start of the trip and keep them all organized. At the end of your trip, if the envelope is bulky and taking up too much room in your bag, you can mail it to yourself and free up the space. Also, pack a plastic bag to separate your dirty clothes from your clean ones. Rumpled is fine, but you don't want to smell like dirty socks!

And always be willing to cross items off your travel packing checklist if you absolutely don't need them. Chances are, you'll be fine without that extra pair of sneakers or special shampoo. After all, one of the adventures of traveling is leaving home behind!

There is nothing like being in a condo to get your mind off of things. Renting or buying condos in the Hawaiian islands is the same way. You will suddenly find that you are living somewhere that you love, without any of the pressures of actually living there. If you have Maui condos you'll see that you can simply be free to go to work and to go about your pleasures without dealing with any of the hassles. All of the landscaping and other yard work is done for you, and you don't' have to worry about things like repairing roofs or putting in new windows. At the same time, renting Maui condos means that you are living in a gorgeous place where you truly feel at home.

Maui condos are not for just the rich, and they aren't even for just the retired people. Maui condos can be for everyone, because no matter what age you are at you deserve to live the greatest life possible. If you can pay for the rent in Maui condos, you'll see that everything else is done for you, and you're simply able to enjoy the life that you are leading, without any stresses regarding the world around you.

Come and check out the Maui condos that are for rent. You'll find that your dream home is waiting for you, and it is waiting for you in a place well known for its sandy beaches and beautiful scenery. Maui condos are home for you, and they are simply waiting for you to come and find them. You will wonder why you have spent so much time during your life not living in Maui condos, and you'll feel as though you have finally discovered what life is all about. Come home to Maui condos and you'll know what home really means.

Recently, TECOM signed an agreement with the Government in Malta to set up its Smart City at Ricasoli. The money goes into Smart City, which is backed by Dubai's Tecom Investments, and Malta hopes this investment will put it on the world's IT map. Tecom Investments is a Dubai government entity that manages Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and Knowledge Village.

After Dubai's investment in Malta, we expect Middle East investments to increase over the next few years. We had big Libyan, Tunisian, and Egyptian investments, and the region's biggest independent investment is a joint Maltese-Libyan company called Lafico, working in the hotel and tourism sector, the resources, as well as manufacturing.

Maltese house of character Malta tourism vacation hotel
one of Malta's picturesque views in a village. click on photo to enlarge
Will Smart City also attract better tourists?

Malta's entry into the European Union means that companies setting up business on the island get access to lucrative European markets.
Malta wants to be a centre of education, healthcare, maritime tourism and financial services.

The Dubai-based company acquired a 60% stake in Maltacom last May, from the Maltese government. The remaining 40% of the company has been registered on the Malta Stock Exchange since 1998, and the company was already also listed in an alternative listing in London. For all intents and purposes it was a private company. Government involvement here was practically nothing.

As Malta's old industries continue to close down and move to other low-cost countries, the little island is focusing most of its attention on attracting an increasing amount of foreign investment. While TECOM's Smart City is the biggest foreign investment in the island so far, it is definitely not the only one. Dubai Technology, Electronic Commerce and Media Free Zone (TECOM) has invested in more than just an internet city on the island.

After Dubai's investment in Malta, it is expected that Middle East investments to increase over the next few years. We had big Libyan, Tunisian, and Egyptian investments, and the region's biggest independent investment is a joint Maltese-Libyan company called Lafico, working in the hotel and tourism sector, the resources, as well as manufacturing.

Enjoy the comfort of staying at luxurious establishments either being
historic or modern design, in the heart of vibrant cities, in tucked away
corners with nature as the backdrop, or even offshore romantic island stays...
there is so much to choose from when planning your next deluxe holiday to Spain
and Portugal.

Tasting fine cuisine is always a big part of a luxury holiday, and instead of
just savouring all the different flavours how about learning a few tricks by
cooking with Marc Fosh, a Michelin-starred Chef who offers a very deluxe cooking
holiday on the Balearic Island of Mallorca staying at the luxurious 5* Read's
Hotel. In the North-Western corner of Spain lies Galicia, a land that has always
been famed for its abundant fresh seafood and delicious wines. Here we have also
teamed up with a well-known chef, Roberto Crespo who runs an charming restaurant
within a restored 19th-century pazo (Galician country house) located just on the
outskirts of the monumental town of Santiago de Compostela where you will be
staying at the Parador de Santiago - Hostal dos Reis Catolicos (Former Hospital
built by the Catholic Kings), considered to be the oldest hotel in the world
classed at a five star grand luxury. Roberto's cooking is luxurious but
relatively simple, giving a twist to traditional Galician dishes. We will try
vieiras (scallops) oven-roasted in their shells with Albariño wine, turbot with
potatoes and mushrooms, local beef sirloin with shiitake, foie gras and pine
nuts, etc... A true culinary escape!

In the big cities like; Madrid, Barcelona, Seville... we can also offer half-day
cooking classes which can be based on Traditional or Avant-garde cuisine. Apart
from cooking we have various VIP wine tours to visit the famous regions of
Ribera del Duero, Rioja, Rias Baixas, Cava, Penedes/Priorat and many more... If
you would prefer a few days of wine country touring try our VIP chauffer-driven
tour from Lisbon visiting the Douro/Porto wine region of Northern Portugal.
These are only a few suggestions, here you can browse through all the cooking
holidays and food/wine tours offered in Spain and Portugal.

For art/architecture lovers staying in Bilbao to visit the Guggenheim museum is
a must. In Madrid let a private guide take you to the Prado and Renia Sofia
museums. Visiting different monuments is a great way to get familiar with the
various types of architecture... like Gaudi's works in Barcelona, the Alhambra
Palace and Generalife Gardens in Granada, Mezquita in Cordoba, Synagogue of
Toledo, Cathedrals of Santiago, Seville, Burgos, etc... You can pick and choose
the sites/monuments you would like to see if you ask us to create a luxury
custom escape just of you.

If sitting back and relaxing on the beach is another pastime you enjoy then it
is something you must set time aside for when visiting the South of Spain...
Marbella, Costa del Sol is an excellent location, or you could fly over to the
Canary Islands to bask in the sun. Set sail for a few days on a private yacht in
various areas of Spain and Portugal. Find more romantic locations under the
sun...

Golf and Spa are the perfect combination for a well-balanced luxury holiday. In
the Cadiz area try staying in Sotogrande with some of the best golf courses in
Europe within reach. In the Algarve, Southern Portugal there are also good
courses and spas around. For a more tropical/nature destinations the Madeira and
Azores Islands are fabulous for trail walking, horse-riding, etc...

Just let us know what your ideal Luxury Escape would be and if we don't already
have it in our website we will customize a trip to your specific needs.

Related Links:


EuroAdventures Vacations: http://www.euroadventures.net


Luxury Escapes/tours to Spain and Portugal:
http://www.euroadventures.net/ea_vol27.asp


Tours of Spain & Portugal: http://www.euroadventures.net/vacations.asp

When people travel, whether on vacation or simply to get away, they enjoy staying at different types of resorts, with many also accommodating business meetings as well, to help create a more relaxed atmosphere for get togethers. While there are differences of interpretation of what a resort is, it can be for vacations, meetings or private getaways for couples.

There are resorts for many different interests such as skiing, golf, spas and sports with lodges built around the activities people are there to enjoy. Golf resorts, for example, may be built around several golf course and ski resorts are usually near the base of ski mountains for people to relax and interact at the end of a day on the slopes. Many think of ski lodges as those depicted in movies as Swiss Alps-type of buildings, but many are considerably larger and can accommodate hundreds of guests.

Many resorts are built near other communities and host a variety of activities. Once the day is done and guests finish participating in whatever activity is planned, folks may want some different type of diversion to spend the evening. Many facilities offer a variety of entertainment throughout the week during busy seasons and on weekends during slower travel times. This is done even though most resorts are considered destination points rather than stopover places for one night stays while traveling.

As destinations, resorts can be in exotic locations such as the Caribbean or the Bahamas as well as in Mexico or more traditional places such as Alaska or even in the mountains in secluded areas. Sports often comprise the basis for visiting resorts with ski packages being some of the most popular in the winter. Others may cater to golfers, swimmers and a combination of several interests are accommodated for others.

Vacations are the main purpose of many resorts with little or no structure where participants can plan their own days and nights, while some offer the services of planners to help insure the time is spent doing what people enjoy. Once the day is over, even with structured tours, there is generally many activities available for those who may be having trouble settling down for the evening and want to stay involved with their crowd.

Some of the more popular places to stay include individual lodges in which people can stay being isolated from crowds and able to totally relax and enjoy quiet time. Many resorts also offer luxury services such as spas for men and women along with exercise rooms and private pools and Jacuzzis to allow people to pamper themselves, even if only for a day or two.

Being able to spend time away from responsibilities and distractions such as telephones and other electronic interruptions is why some folks spend time at resorts off the beaten path. Many find the time more than relaxing and use it to recharge their internal batteries.

Unless you are filthy rich, when you are ready to line up for a holiday, money saving is going to be one of your biggest headaches. Finding that safe haven you can call home should neither be a struggle, nor a drain on your cash flow. There are several means you can take to find inexpensive lodging without compromising quality in your vacation destination. The most prominent of them entail online shopping. The travel industry today is riddled with competition, and there is information available to you in magazines, online, even through text messages, where business will compete for your holiday dollars if they know you have an interest. Follow these few simple hints, and you could be counting your sheep on some of the most comfortable beds in the world at a much reduced cost.

The first thing you need to do is make up your mind what kind of accommodation you are looking for. Questions you will be asked at booking include what kind of bed, how many people will be in the room, and do you want a meal package with your reservation. Know all of these things in advance, or you will be upsold before you can say continental breakfast. There are several online shopping websites that will help you pick out deals based on these parameters.

You also need to know what you are looking for as an overall holiday need. Are the kids with you? Are you going to want a swimming pool? Spa? Gym? The more you want, the more you are going to spend. Find out about the rating system. The more stars a hotel has next to its name in the AAA guide, the more money you are going to spend. More stars (or in some cases, diamonds) means the hotel offers more amenities. You will see things like a free continental breakfast, swimming pools either indoor or out, restaurant on site, concierge service, night maids, day maids -- it is an unending list. In fact, it is surprising that in the pre-online shopping days such deals could even be structured.

The more of these services your hotel offers, the more your cost is going to be. These items are known as amenities, and even though they are offered as "free services" the cost of the service will be built into the cost of your room rate. If you don't need concierge service, but want a swimming pool, look for a mid-level hotel that has just a pool. Again, the number of stars the property is rated does not signify its "niceness"; it represents how many amenities you have access to. You can get a beautiful hotel room with no amenities at good rates if you look in the right places.

Don't be afraid to ask for an upgrade when you check in. If a hotel is not booked to the brim, they should be more than happy to accommodate you and make sure you become a repeat customer. In the services industry, word of mouth is essential to a hotel's success. Bad news travels fast in the hotel industry. Your friends will know what complaints you had about your vacation far before they hear about how soft the pillows were. Hotels know this and want to make your stay as comfortable as possible because it will bring you back. Ask for a complimentary upgrade, the worst that can happen is it won't be available. The best thing that can happen is a premium room.

Lastly, if you can, travel in the off season. This will reduce your costs considerably. All hotels reduce their rates in the off-season to fill up their rooms and get you in the door. Once they do, they treat you well and hope to see you again during peak season. And who knows, if they do their job right, they just might.

Truly online shopping is terrific but only for the smart online shopper who knows where he should be shopping.

If you are thinking of trying to beat the current highest parachute jump record then you may be wondering what that record actually is. Well it belongs to Joseph Kittinger and he is currently the highest parachute jumped as well as holding the record for the fastest speed too. He is a man whom many skydivers look up to and beating his record will be incredibly difficult to do.

The Highest Jumping Record and how it was achieved

The record for the highest parachute jump was actually set back in 1960 by Joseph Kittinger. He did it as part of a test for the Aerospace Medical Research Laboratories of the Unites States Air Force and he was basically looking at high altitude escape. He undertook the jump at 102,800 feet in the air and it is the highest parachute jump ever to be attempted. Most skydivers today jump at heights of between 10,000 feet and 30,000 feet so the thought of jumping at 100,000 feet is quite spectacular!

Joseph Kittinger jumped in absolutely freezing temperatures and he fell at a speed of roughly 714 miles per hour. It is estimated that he free fell for around 4 ½ minutes and he got three separate world records; one for the highest parachute jump, one for the longest free fall and one for the fastest speed ever to be reached by man. Whilst he set off at 102,800 feet, he only opened his parachute once he got to 18,000.

The reason why Joseph did the never attempted highest parachute jump was to allow parachuting to advance. Tactical training, escape techniques and deployment were all researched and the USAF also conducted various investigations regarding the high altitude escapes. This was so that the pilots as well as other people would be better able to escape at high altitudes. These days however when skydivers jump from heights, they are not concerned with discovering anything new; they are more interested in the thrill of it.

Although it is mainly a military type jump, there are skydivers who like to jump from such heights. They are adventure seekers and they love the feeling of their heart racing for long periods of time. They want to free fall for minutes rather than seconds and that is where they differ to ordinary skydivers just looking for an amazing experience. Most skydivers are quite content simply free falling for a few seconds as that is enough to increase the heart rate and get the adrenaline pumping around your body.

Overall Halo jumping is becoming more and more common. Otherwise known as high altitude, low opening jumping, many ordinary skydivers love to use them as an adventure skydiving activity. It has been 40 years since the record was set by Joseph Kittinger and though many have tried to beat him, they have always failed. So if you are looking to beat the record then it may take some practicing!

Are you ready for the summer? Are you ready for the kids home around the clock? Well, if not, get ready for summer vacation because it's just around the corner! The following tips will help your summer vacation fly by!

Summer vacations are often a hassle for the working mom so the best thing you can do is plan ahead for the summer by enlisting the help of day camps or summer camps. Most local areas offer many summer sports camps for kids involved in baseball, volleyball and other activities. You'll likely find that the summer vacations will fly by if you keep your summer occupied with action-packed activities for your child. Plan ahead to fill their summer with activities to occupy their mind and to help them manage high energy and you'll find a relaxing summer awaits you.

Summer vacations can be fun if you take the time to read tips from other working moms to occupy your young one's mind. If you have small children, you may need to put them in daycare for the summer, but if you must do that then choose one which will keep them busy with summer time activities and not just keep them locked up inside.

Summer vacations are an exciting time for children but they need to stay on some sort of schedule so that they will not have too much free time on their hands. The best thing to do is give them something to do day in and day out as a chore and then plan at least one activity per day with small children. For example, you can take the time to visit parks, have a picnic and do something silly like attend Hands on Museum where kids always have fun.

Teens will be able to pre-occupy their own time but if you have a teen that is doing poorly in school, the take this tip, summer vacation without summer school is a bad idea. Teens struggling in school need to take the time to catch up over the summer otherwise they will fall further behind in the next grade the following year.

Get ready for the summer early by planning your child care, summer camps and summer vacations. Seek tips online for summertime fun and tips for family vacations. Book your child's spot in summer camps early so they are able to attend the camps they want when they want.

Get ready for the summer and plan your child's summer break away from school early so they have something to look forward to this summer. That's part of their fun!

Imagine reclining on hammock swinging in the breeze of a Siamese late afternoon. As you sip your sundowner, the sun dips orange and magnificent, gleaming on the teak terrace of your house. You feel like you're in heaven. With the warmth of the wood and the charm of the soaring roofs, gables and eaves, the Thai style house is a feast for the eyes and the soul.

Though one of the world's most romantic dwellings, the Thai style house actually developed as a practical response to Thailand's monsoon climate. Thailand is hot, sunny and humid for most of the year. And the monsoon rains sweep in in May and ravage the country until November. So any building needs to be able to resist both relentless sunshine and lashing monsoon storms.

The first thing that strikes you about the traditional Thai house is its sense of space and airiness. It is perched a man's height off the ground and is formed of rooms arranged around broad terraces. Then there's the wonderful warm glow of the teak wood that feels so good under your bare feet. Both design and choice of materials are not only pleasing to your eye but also highly functional.

The house is elevated to avoid being touched by the floods during the rainy season. In addition, the space under the house once provided housing for the animals needed for farm work. And not least, the elevation provided protection from the wild animals that once roamed the area.

But the true splendor of the house comes from its construction material. In the past much of Siam was forested so wood was plentiful. Especially prized for house construction was the fabulous golden teak. Golden brown in hue, this teak is easily worked and is rich in natural oils which make it weatherproof. It is also resistant to termite attacks and has low heat conductivity. Due to deforestation, this timber is now very expensive.

The general structure of the Thai style house is of a broad open deck or terrace area. This platform area may account for 40 per cent of the total area of the house. This arrangement allows the flow of cooling breezes and provides a space for relaxing and eating. People also sleep here during the hot summer nights. Around the perimeter are the living rooms and bedrooms. The deck is on a lower level than the dwelling rooms to allow water to drain away. The long deep eaves give protection from the sun and the rain. The rooms have shutters which can be swiftly opened to let in breezes and just as swiftly closed to keep out the rain.

Another striking feature of the Thai house is the ornate roof. Often the designs are based on some traditional motif. For example, the curving ends of the bargeboards represent nagas or celestial serpents. The decorative elements of the traditional Thai house have practical as well as symbolic significance. The steep roofs allow rain to drain off easily and holds air to provide insulation against heat.

In the past, Thai houses were traditionally built along waterways for transport and water supply. A perfect site was amid lush groves of fruit trees and coconut palms which proffered shade. The Thais also built these houses without nails. They were essentially prefab and could be disassembled and moved anywhere. The famous Jim Thompson house in was in fact brought from upcountry and assembled in Bangkok.

After endless hours of working in your office and running innumerable errands for your boss, you definitely deserve a delightful vacation. You need to go to a place where you can chill out and forget anything about your stressful job. You should give yourself a luxurious treat and clear your mind from all the hustles and bustles of the noisy and crowded city where you live. If you want to have an unforgettable getaway and to have a serene and pleasurable trip, then pack your bags and fly to the most harmonious city in Morocco: Essaouira.

Essaouira is the perfect city to visit in the Kingdom of Morocco for travelers who want to have the most relaxing vacation. This city is such an astounding place in the country for it is blessed with beautiful beaches, fine sand, and tall pines. The views of the fishermen's boats, the waves of the ocean, the flying birds, and the clear sky make any traveler surrender to the city's tranquility and beauty. Unlike other Moroccan cities, Essaouira is not crowded and warring. It is far from Morocco's raspy cities and restless medinas. Sounds soothing and inviting? Well, there are countless other things that can complete your tranquil and cozy trip in the city, and among these are the Essaouira Riads. With luxurious services and excellent accommodation facilities, you will surely have the grandest trip in Morocco if you stay in one of Essaouira's fine Riads. These places are not only lavish, but they are also equipped with superb amenities that can complete your desired vacation. As a big fan of Morocco, I listed below some of the satisfying perks that you can get if you book in one of the Riads in Essaouira.

1. Breathe easy in a Riad Essaouira near the beach


A lot of people believe that the best Essaouira Riads are those that are a few walks away from the beach just like the Riad La Casa Del Mar Essaouira. This establishment gives you easy access to the luxurious beach where you can dip in the warm water and walk on the soft sand. Whenever you feel like leaving your cozy and majestic Riad suite, you can reach the beach in no time. This adorable souiri house reflects the Mediterranean culture and offers fresh ocean breeze from the Atlantic. You will definitely enjoy the quiet and calm atmosphere in this Riad establishment, where you can catch up with your reading or have a sun-kissed, tanned skin. You can also have an excellent view of the sunset and sunrise when you book in this Riad. With an affordable € 75.00-room rate, Riad La Casa Del Mar Essaouira is a fine place to stay in if you are planning to have a wonderful break from your work.

2. Laze around with the top-rate services and amenities of the Riads in Essaouira


Since staying in a Moroccan Riad is more lavish than booking in an ordinary hotel, make the most out of your vacation through taking advantage of the excellent amenities and unmatched services offered by the Essaouira Riads. For instance, you want to be alone and do not want to go out of your suite, you can use the Riad's facilities such as the private pool or jacuzzi, to unwind and repose. In Riad Emeraude, special services like body massages and treatments hearten and freshen up its stressed guests. Feel free to avail of these relaxing services for you to have a more tranquil stay in Essaouira. With Riad Emeraude's outstanding services and assistance, a € 39.00 room rate is enough to make you feel like you are living in a palace.

3. Dine in a first-class Riad accommodation in Essaouira


A grand vacation is not complete without doting on some of the good chows offered at Essaouira Riads. Aside from pampering yourself inside your Riad suite and strolling at the beach, add a luscious dining experience in your relaxing and extraordinary Essaouira trip. Dar L'Oussia, together with its fine establishments, is visited by many travelers because of its in-house restaurant that serves heavenly Moroccan and international dishes. This Riad Essaouira also serves delectable blend of tea, which is perfect for relaxation. For an affordable accommodation rate starting €73.00, you can already stay in one of the standard rooms at Dar L'Oussia and try its tempting local cuisines.