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Skellig MichaelIslands in Southwest, Ireland Just off the Iveragh Peninsula is the sacred island of Skellig Michael, one of the most remote islands in Europe.
Legend associates it with St. Fionan, the Irish saint, though it undoubtedly has spiritual associations way before. In the Middle Ages it was populated by monks and hermits, who abandoned it sometime in the 13th Century. Today you can visit a small group of 'beehive' huts where the hermits lived. Surrounding terraces were laid out to grow vegetables. St. Michael is the patron saint of Skellig, and gives his name to the island - as with Mont St Michel and St Michaels Mount. As a place of pilgrimage, it had connections with both these, as well as Delos and Mt Carmel in Palestine - all once part of a pan-European pilgrim route.
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Review by Photo by flickr user mozzercork |
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The Northern LightsAstronomy in Nord-Norge, Norway The Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights, the stunning swathes of colour changing light created by the interaction of charged particles and the earth’s magnetic field, are a life-changing sight and one not to be missed by any keen stargazer. The Aurora season, when they are most likely to be seen, runs from late September to early April but being reliant on the activity of the sun are not a guaranteed feature of any trip.
Norway, particularly the northern region within the Arctic Circle, is considered by many to be the best and one of the most reliable places to see the lights.
Due to this a lot of Norwegian tourism is geared towards this singular astronomical phenomenon and there are plenty of companies running Aurora Borealis tours of varying lengths and activities. A tour based in the town of Tromso, high above the Arctic Circle, includes dog-sledding across the tundra to remote spots to view the lights; others involve cruises along the artic coast or short night-time plane rides and for those prepared to brave the cold there is a tour that includes staying in the fantastic Alta Igloo Ice Hotel which is rebuilt every winter entirely from ice and snow.
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Review by Photo by flickr user Fir3fly86 |
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Si Phan Don's four thousand islandsIslands in Laos Si Phan Don means four thousand islands and is a region in Laos just above the Cambodian border where the Mekong river is broken up by the Khone Falls and several sets of rapids. The falls and rapids split the river into countless channels which have produced the many islands and islets. One of the main attractions of this region are the Irrawaddy Dolphins who live below the falls. The region is tropical but inland, so rice fields, mangrove forests and rainforests dominate the mostly flat scene. The main islands of the group are Don Kong, which is the largest and has the most inhabitants and accommodation, Don Khon and Don Det. Don Khon and D,n Det offer accommodation with less home comforts and more of an adventure style-jungle-tree-house type of experience. Si Phan Don is a good place to visit if you like a quiet holiday and enjoy cycling, walking, swimming or boating and you're looking for a cultural or adventurous break.
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Review by Photo by flickr user magical-world |
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Djoudj National Bird SanctuaryBirdwatching in Senegal Situated in the Senegal River delta, the Djoudj Sanctuary is a wetland of 16,000 ha, comprising a large lake surrounded by streams, ponds and backwaters. It forms a living but fragile sanctuary for some 1.5 million birds, such as the white pelican, the purple heron, the African spoonbill, the great egret and the cormorant. Copyright © UNESCO/World Heritage Centre. All rights reserved.
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Review by Photo by flickr user dhruvaraj |
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Empire Retreat & SpaSpas and Spa Resorts in Western Australia, Australia Nestled within dense Karri bushland on 265 acres of private property Empire Retreat certainly paints a picture of total relaxation and opulence. With its twisting driveway bordered by wild lilies this luxury spa getaway is sure to have you feeling invigorated from the moment you arrive. Reception is housed in a renovated 25-year-old character farm-house also encompassing a large communal kitchen, billiards room, den, and a glass enclosed dining area which sits high above leafy views of the rolling vineyards below. The furniture that invades this spa retreat has all been hand-crafted from the best local timber and made right here in Western Australia. There are ten extravagant suites in total at Empire each with a private parking space and many distinctive features. The two lofts suites which are positioned above the main farm-house have a remarkable view of the native gardens below. The courtyard suite is situated on the lower level of the farm house and has its own exclusive walled garden and courtyard. There are four deluxe suites in total, all joined together by a maze of timber-decked pathways enveloped with Asian inspired Bamboo jungles. The suites each have their own terrace which opens out into the natural bushland beyond which also camouflages your very own heated outdoor shower. The remaining 3 suites at Empire are lavish private villas. Each villa has been scattered throughout the forest like a hidden jungle bungalow and each with open plan living areas, sunken dens, open fire places timber-decked balconies and private courtyards complete with the trademark, heated outdoor showers. To get a sense of the retreat's opulence, the owners have certainly paid attention to each minute detail. Ensuites are walled from floor to ceiling with tumbled marble mosaics, the two person spa bath has been well situated in front of a large picture window looking out into the fresh forrest, the king sized beds are covered in the finest of crisp white cottons, the towels are fluffy and splendidly soft and the outside greenery manages to sneak its way inside via the large french doors by the bedside. If that's not enough to tempt you for a tranquil weekend away, the retreat also has its very own Sodashi Spa offering guests a large selection of pampering treatments. For something more romantic try one of the couples' packages most of which include an indulgent hydro-therapy session in the quaint free-standing tub.
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Review by Photo by Simone |
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