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‘Life’ Resort SriLanka for better life

‘Life Ayurveda Resort’, one of the pioneering Ayurveda therapy hotels, is located right on the Beach in Thalpitiya, Wadduwa, just 45 minutes drive from Colombo. Though it is nearly ten years old, ‘Life’ came to be known better after Aloysius Dissanayake, the Director/General Manager took over few years back.

The main Ayurvedic Physician of the Resort is Dr Mrs. Chandrika Dissanayake, who is the wife of DGM of the Resort.

This husband and wife combination of the Ayurveda Travel business has done the magical development to the Resort and gained a name as the top medical tourism attraction in Sri Lanka.

‘Most of our customers Europeans and Germans head the top in arrivals’ said Aloysius Dissanayake

‘Life Ayurveda Resort’ formally known as Lotus Ayurveda Hotel, consists of ten air conditioned rooms, a swimming pool, well equipped treatment Centre and the main restaurant.

The Restaurant serves local and international cuisine and special Ayurvedic food is served for guests on doctor’s recommendation.

‘Our main asset is the well equipped Ayurvedic Treatment Centre and it is the focal point of this Resort. Well trained and experienced Ayurvedic Therapists and qualified Ayurvedic Physicians are at guests or at patients’ service.

Most of the overseas visitors come for treatments or to escape from the busy, hectic life of the West and to overcome stresses’ explained Dissanayake.

The resort has a special garden area with a courtyard pool with flowers. Various endemic flora in the original style, and an open area of a herbal garden with treatments outdoors. This is unique in Sri Lanka.

‘Ayurveda is a gentle method of healing. The applications are natural, delicate, not offensive, non-invasive. This kind of medicine requires an understanding between healer and patient. The methods include plant medicine, natural food, massages’ explained Dr Chandrika.

Ayurveda, the knowledge of life, is a natural medical system from India and Sri Lanka, more than 5000 years old. It arose from the observation of human and plant. A harmonious balance of body, mind and spirit built, stand in the centre.

‘The ayurvedic treatment is over the centuries, its practical application to a complex system matured, which in many ways modern medicine can enrich landscape.

Sharp observations and selfless research led the Ayurveda measures to optimize all areas of life discover a deep insight into the nature of being reflect.

Three compliance leads to a balanced life on physical, mental and spiritual level.

Thus binds the Ayurveda in the maintenance of the laws of nature, of which the modern man’ she said.

The treatment includes ‘Varmana’ in the first week, ‘Virechan’ on second week, ‘Basti Nasayam’ and ‘Raktha Mokasana’ on third week and ‘Head Pack’ on fourth.

By Sanath Weerasuriya, Pix Neil Siriweera

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Sri Lanka

Hakgala in harm’s way

Legend has it that Hakgala was King Ravana’s pleasure garden where he kept the beautiful princess Sita whom he had abducted from India. Today, visitors to the hill country rarely miss out on a visit to Hakgala and while walking around many wonder what lies behind the fences of the Botanical Gardens.

Only few realize that it is the Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve (SNR), a montane cloud forest, as important as the rainforests of Sinharaja or Knuckles in terms of biodiversity and watershed capacity.

Like any other SNR, Hakgala is restricted to all but those who are involved in scientific research and even they can enter only with a special permit obtained from the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWLC).

Even amidst all this protection, the Hakgala SNR (declared in 1938, Hakgala is one of three Strict Nature Reserves and is the only one in the wet zone, the other two, Ritigala and Yala Block II, being in the dry zone) is under serious threat due to land-grabs and encroachment, problems that have dogged it for decades.

These were some of the shocking disclosures at a recent forum organized by the Environmental Foundation Limited (EFL) to launch ‘Hakgala Under Threat – A Review of Conservation Status and Management Needs’.

As much as 25% of the Hakgala SNR has been encroached on, a survey by EFL has revealed. This is indeed an alarming trend considering the fact that Hakgala is also protected by another law which prohibits the granting, leasing or otherwise disposal of state lands over 5,000 ft in altitude. Hakgala being above 5400 ft, therefore, also comes under this protection.

However, encroachers at Hakgala include the Ambewela cattle farm, Warwick tea estate and other small-scale cultivators who have occupied sections of it.

According to the Management Plan drawn up in 1999 by the DWLC, 16% or 182.88 ha of the Hakgala SNR, were claimed to be under encroachment. A 2006 survey has found that there are 152 encroachments, excluding the Ambewela farm, covering about 50 hectares.

“But the boundaries considered in this survey are not those of the original survey plan. They include a much smaller area for Hakgala,” EFL officials point out. EFL claims that the figures cited by DWLC are massive underestimates of the current encroachment problem which its own survey has indicated as covering 150 ha and involving at least 200 households. This together with the encroachments by the Ambewela farm doubles the DWLC figure.

Encroachment by the Ambewela farm had begun a few decades ago, with even a survey plan of 1945 by the Survey Department including sections of the Hakgala SNR as part of the farm. This error had been the starting point of the large scale encroachment of Hakgala, states the report issued by the EFL.
Hakgala, environmentalists point out, is part of the Central Highlands Forest Complex which has been identified as being of the highest national importance for watershed protection by the National Conservation Review. It plays a particularly significant role in maintaining stream-flow over the year, especially dry season flows while also acting as a ‘water tower’ for the Uva Basin and the Uma Oya. Therefore, degradation of Hakgala will affect the whole country.

Soil erosion will cripple large-scale hydro projects like Uma Oya and Rantambe by reducing water inflow. The sediments which will be deposited in the waterways due to soil erosion will flow down to the reservoirs causing problems.

Meanwhile, environmentalists explain that the area currently used as grazing lands have pastures with imported grass seeds that are alien to the area.

The threat of these grasses spreading in the SNR as invasive species is enormous, in the light of most national parks battling with invasive species. The close presence of cattle to wild animals could result in wild animals being vulnerable to pandemics like the hoof and mouth disease.

Concerned over the degradation of the Hakgala SNR and no action by the DWLC, the Environmental Foundation had stepped in, filing legal action against the DWLC in 1988 over illegal encroachments. While recognizing the 1938 boundaries, the court had ruled that attempts to bypass the legal provisions that afford the Hakgala SNR the highest protection should be disregarded and ordered the DWLC to remove all encroachers. Despite the DWLC giving an undertaking to court, no action had been taken to remove the encroachers.

Once again in March 2006, EFL had filed another case to halt further encroachment immediately and remove the present encroachers. The respondents – DWLC, Divisional Secretaries and other government institutions – had agreed to act but once again nothing had happened.

DWLC Director-General Ananda Wijesooriya told the forum that the department is working to remove illegal encroachers. However, the largest encroacher – the Ambewela farm — is not considered at this stage.

World Bank representative Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya emphasized the need for other government departments that are more powerful to support the DWLC. “It should be a collective effort, otherwise the DWLC will get isolated. We have seen this happen in the past.”

“Hakgala is an important ecosystem and it is important to protect it before irretrievable damage is done to the Strict Nature Reserve,” said environmentalist Jagath Gunawardene.

By Malaka Rodrigo

Source: sundaytimes.lk

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Sri Lanka

Pol Oya, SriLanka – its lure and charm

The morning was bright and pleasant in Koggala and a two-hour boat ride along Pol Oya was ideal to start off the day. Pol Oya is considered as Sri Lanka’s largest natural lake consisting of eight islands including the famous island named Madolduwa.

Madolduwa, is a popular island because of the novel “Madolduwa” by Martin Wickramasinghe. I remembered the heroes of that interesting novel Jinna, Upali, Siripala, Dangadasa and Ranadewa and could remember how they became the heroes of my childhood.

View of the Pol Oya ( Koggala Lake)

There are so many places from where people can start their boat ride on Pol Oya.

When you reach Koggala sign boards indicating “Madol Duwa” are in more than a few places. Sadly, most people visit Madol Duwa only, because of its distinctive popularity but they lack the knowledge about the other seven islands.

But on your boat ride to Madol Duwa, you can see the other islands as well.

Kathduwa was the first island that comes into view. “This became a famous island in the Second World War because the Japanese used this island to land sea planes. It is still used today by Air Taxis as one of the places which they land their sea plane at. Other places include Marawila and Nuwara Eliya,” the animator accompanying me P.G. Sarath was somewhat against this practice due to ecological issues.

Madin Duwa (Kurulu Duwa) was next. This was an island where you can see hundreds of birds on. If you want to watch the birds there the best time is the evening, because the birds come to roost at that time, I was told.

We went along the Pol Oya. In just a few minutes I could see the biggest island on the lake Thala Thuduwa Duwa. According to Sarath, it has a Sylvan (wilderness).

Madin Duwa (Kurulu Duwa)

Then there is another island named Koth Duwa which has four water bungalows owned by private owners. People can’t enter this island because it is private property. But we could see it while moving.

The first island that we could set foot on was Ganduwa which was a cinnamon island. There were many cinnamon trees on this island with a small house and a family living there.

This family shows how the cinnamon product comes out for our meal and the process of clearing the cinnamon sticks, rolled and dried it on the roof. A woman put the dry cinnamon into the grinding stone and ground it. Their final process is to packet the cinnamon. Visitors can buy fresh cinnamon from them. And also they can enjoy the cinnamon tea (like I did!).

We returned to the boat again. I saw the next island Diyamera Dupatha which has many towering trees. We did not enter this island but passed it and reached Madolduwa where we got off. I went around Madol Duwa and saw the well, Sekku gala still there. I could imagine how Upali and Jinna lived in this island. But now it is an ugly state of affairs that are taking place here such as people throwing their litter about and empty bottles being thrown after consumption of liquor, I was told.

We already saw the seven islands. The last on my journey was Weduwa. It was a temple where nearly 25 monks resided. I entered this island which had a dagoba and some dwellings. “There are many people who come to this place to observe sil on poya days,” said D.H.Somasiri a tour guide. It was a serene location. This island was ideal for meditation, as was now being used as.

We returned to terra firma again with pleasant memories…and with new experiences for me also. Like many others, when I came on the journey to Pol Oya I had in mind only Madol Duwa. But apart from Madol Duwa there are seven other islands too providing us equal fascination…

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Sri Lanka

Whirl with the wind – Kitesurfing in SriLanka

Natasha Fernandopulle explores the sport of the fearless on Lankan shores – Pix by M. A. Pushpa Kumara

The feeling of flying over water where the only form of propulsion you have is the wind and where the only person in control is you is a sensation that most adventure lovers would love to feel.

I bet you may wonder what this is all about. In fact, when I first went across to Buba in Mount Lavinia, I really didn’t know what to expect. Kitesurfing; as in surfing with the help of a kite? This is what I thought and this is exactly what it was all about.

Kitesurfing or kiteboarding is an extreme sport which uses the power of the wind to pull a rider through the water and this is done on a small surfboard or kiteboard. The sport is still in its infancy, but is rapidly growing in popularity. And when it comes to Sri Lanka, our country being an island, kitesurfing can be done all throughout the year, depending on which part of the coast you are in.

According to Mischi Walter – a professional kitesurfing instructor based in Sri Lanka, “as much as this sport can be fun, it can be very dangerous if you don’t know how to handle your equipment properly. You also need to be aware of your surroundings – the wind, water and ground situation,” he says, adding that in spite of all the precautions, “you will have an accident at some point!” says Mischi, so remember to concentrate on what you are doing.

“You need to get over a certain fear point – doing so gives you an adrenaline rush,” Mischi says smiling. “Even children can learn the sport, overseas there are people who are over 70 who are kitesurfing!” added Mischi.

“It’s the best sport in town, and never feel discouraged if you are taking a long time to get up on the board, because it happened to me, but it’s worth the effort and the wait,” said Julian Bolling, adding that the sport brings together some, “cool people to hang out with” and “it’s pollution free!”

“Rugby? Hikkaduwa Beach Fest? Nah, I’d rather be kitesurfing!” says Dilsiri Welikala. “It’s extremely addictive and loads of fun. You’re completely free, and the only noise you hear is of the wake coming off the back of your board,” he says, adding, “When you launch, you hear a sound that’s amazing. It’s just you, the wind and the board.”

“It was in Feb 2007 at the Kiteboarding Camp organised by some friends when I was first introduced to kiteboarding. I was blown away by the dynamics of the sport and what attracted me the most is that when you’re kitesurfing, it’s just you and the elements, the wind blowing hard and the sea all around you; pure peace infused with adrenalin!” was Previne Wicks’ opinion on the sport.

And as the only local female to have tried out kitesurfing in Sri Lanka, Mihiri Salpitikorale had this to say. “As much as the adrenaline rush beckons, out of respect for natural elements, I’m taking kite surfing really slow so I can enjoy it with minimal damage.”

Mads Jansen Raunsbaek, has an interesting account about the development of the sport, “The first person to kite surf in Sri Lanka was a German guy called Ben.”He went on to explain that this was in December 1999 when he noticed some colour on the water, “when I looked out the window I saw a guy with a kite starting from Mambos and straight out through the main point.” He had already had an idea about the sport from an article which he had ripped out of a magazine and recalls, “when I saw it, I knew it was my call.”

This all happened while he was tattooing a client he said, “I was stoked; I jumped up and told my customer we had a 20 minute break and ran to the beach and waited for him to return.” The kitesurfer, Ben, he recalls, had a Naish Ar 3.5 and the first big Naishkiteboards. He gave him a magazine and later had a chat with Mads about the sport.

He goes on to state, “I’m pretty sure that that is the start of Kitesurfing in Sri Lanka. The third person to kite in Sri Lanka was Holger Brummer from Negombo. We met in Hikkaduwa in 2001. Then Dirk Hanel came, followed by all the others.”

“Kitesurfing has now started to grow in Sri Lanka, and that’s what we want,” says Mads, adding, “We want more information about kitesurfing, safety and so on. And just to make it bigger and bigger and bigger in Sri Lanka,” he said.

Source: sundaytimes.lk

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Sri Lanka

The Blue Water Hotel, Wadduwa, Sri Lanka

DELUXE BEACH HOTEL | 100 STANDARD ROOMS

The Blue Water is located on a sublime stretch of the Wadduwa coastline, where the waters become a shimmering speculum of the clear blue sky. The hotel offers a spectacular view of the sea, and stands amidst a cool cluster of coconut palms that line the water and throw shadows into its scintillating blueness.

Walk down the cool white corridors, and be greeted by the spectacular sight of a lush green coconut palm garden. Get hypnotised by the soothing sounds of cascading ponds and fountains. The swimming pool is too good to resist – so too the excellent cuisine. By night, the Hotel’s stunning elegance is accentuated even more. Rooms are simple but luxurious – loll about in crisp linen the shade of shell.

ACCOMMODATION

The Blue Water offers 100 well appointed and very comfortable rooms that are all centrally air-conditioned with individual temperature controls, so you can set your own chill level. All rooms are sea view with a private balcony or terrace that also look down on to the wonderful garden below. Electric Power is British spec and there’s also piped Music and Satellite Television. All rooms are fitted with a fully stocked Mini Bar and Personal Safe. Attached bathrooms have hot and cold water and both a bath and shower.

DINING

At The Blue Water you can always expect to be fed well and with a sumptuous array of local and international cuisine. The chefs turn out delicious gourmet and buffet cuisine and the fine dining restaurant is the perfect venue to savour the delights with a glass of fine red. The hotel aspires to a philosophy of quality food prepared in a health conscience manner with prominence given to fresh local produce.

The Blue Water offers guests the following restaurants:

The Seven Seas – 24-hour coffee shop
Admiral’s Room – fine dining
Porthole Bar
The Clipper Bar
Sea Board Deck (Sports Bar)

FACILITIES AND SERVICES

Large Swimming Pool / Kiddies Pool
Fully equipped gymnasium
Tennis Courts
Squash Courts
Badminton
Table Tennis
Billiards
Theme Nights
Large garden area
Night Club
Evening Programme with live entertainment
Animator
24 – hour room service
Wide 200mtr beach frontage
Doctor on call
Business Centre
E-mail and Internet facilities
Travel Counter
Car Rental
Parking Facilities
Baby sitter on request
Baby cots on request
Hotel shop
Gem & Jewellery shop
Hair & Beauty salon
In House Movies
Tours organised on request
The Spa (NEW)

THE BLUE WATER SPA

The Blue Water Spa takes a holistic approach to physical and spiritual well being providing a sanctuary for the senses. The architecture of the Spa Pavilions draws upon local inspiration to blend seamlessly with the natural environment of The Blue Water. Massage treatments are based on relaxing techniques that has passed through the hands of many generations. The health and beauty remedies make use of aromatic oils and herbs and spices with ancient healing powers.

Spa treatments include massages, facial beauty treatments, body wraps and body scrubs. The Blue Water Sp offers over fifteen different treatments to choose from.

TRAVEL SHOP EXCURSIONS

The Blue Water boasts of having some of the best naturalists in Sri Lanka. There are excursions of all types including snorkelling or scuba diving on the coral reefs at nearby Hikkaduwa, which is also world famous as a surf destination. On the southern coast of Sri Lanka any seaboard activity can be arranged, even deep sea or big game fishing which is becoming increasingly popular is available through a host of operators all down the coast, from Beruwela to Tangalle.

Maduganga (river) Boat Safari – Half Day Excursion – An interesting insight in to coastal mangrove systems and amazing bird and animal life in the backwaters of the southern coastal belt.

Sinharaja Rain Forest – Day Excursion – One of the oldest natural rainforests remaining on the planet and a world protected biosphere. The Sinharaja is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Udawalawe National Park – Day Excursion – Renowned as the best national park to view elephants in Sri Lanka. I’m no expert on elephants, however the elephants at Udawalawe looked slightly smaller than their cousins we’d seen at Yala, and upon asking our guide why? I was told that the elephants of Udawalawe were Swamp Elephants, which I believe to be true.

Yala National Park – Day Excursion – This is truly wild country with plenty Elephas maximus and the elusive Asian Leopard. Yala is known to have the worlds highest density of leopards in the wild, so your chances of seeing one is almost certain. search on Flickr.com for “Yala Leopard”.

Cultural Tour – Half Day Excursion
White Water Rafting – Day Excursion
Bird Watching – Day Excursion
Mineral Exploration – Three-Day Excursion

ADDRESS: The Blue Water, Thalpitiya, Wadduwa. 12560 Sri Lanka
AIRPORT: Bandaranike International Colombo

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Sri Lanka

Neptune Ayurveda Village Hotel, Beruwela, Sri Lanka

BEACH RESORT & AYURVEDA SPA VILLAGE | 84 DELUXE ROOMS

Combine a fantastic holiday on the beaches of Beruwala and pamper yourself with the specialty Ayurveda herbal treatments at the Ayurveda Village. Do you live for deep sea fishing, wind surfing, diving, scuba diving, snorkelling, jet skiing or water skiing? The three-star Neptune Hotel is the perfect budget solution for you to enjoy all this and more. Active holidays with plenty of local excursions and a fantastic stretch of beach make Neptune Hotel the perfect destination for both individuals and families alike. The hotel is also an excellent wedding or conference location with state-of-the-art facilities.

ACCOMMODATION

The accommodation at Neptune Hotel provides excellent service for a three star hotel and at a great price. If you are interested in deep sea fishing, wind surfing, diving, scuba diving, snorkelling, jet skiing or water skiing, the Neptune is the ideal base for you.

The Hotel has 84 tastefully decorated rooms with a view of the ocean. 12 rooms can also be used as triples. The bathrooms come with a choice of luxurious rain showers or bathtubs. Each bathroom is equipped with a hair dryer and supplied with soaps, shampoos, shower gel and towels. The rooms are equipped with energy efficient air conditioning and are wheel chair accessible.

5 Deluxe rooms and 79 Standard rooms are available, both smoking and non-smoking.

The rooms are fitted with modern amenities and comforts such as: Twin beds – Writing table and chairs – Dressing and sitting areas – Bathroom with bath tub, hot and – cold water – Radio and piped music – Fully supplied mini bar – Tea and coffee making facility – Energy efficient air conditioning with temperature control – Laundry Service (Normal or Express) – Fan – Hair dryer – Telephone – Private balcony or terrace with ocean view, with chairs or lounger.

DINING

Third Dimension Food envisions a philosophy based on a threefold foundation of taste, presentation and health. As part of Aitken Spence Hotel Group’s principle of responsible tourism, the resort strives to deliver the finest in international cuisine, which is at the same time healthy. Aitken Spence Hotels are a trend setter in cuisine, both in Sri Lanka and internationally. If you are a gourmet seeking the finest culinary experiences, then Aitken Spence Hotels are a must in your itinerary. The hotels also offer a unique blend of the best international trends, with millennia of traditional cooking culture. Enjoy caviars and goose pates and then venture into traditional dishes like heenati haal and kalukung meat (traditional rice and wild turkey). The chefs use exotic ingredients to evolve a truly unique culinary tradition that you can only experience at the Aitken Spence Hotels.

Enjoy your meal and sip a beer or glass of wine while feasting your eyes on the vista of the ocean, and being lulled by the sound of the waves. At night it is an amazingly romantic experience with the starlight or moonlight reflecting off the silvery waters.

The cuisine at Aitken Spence Hotels is supervised by world class Chef who have won nine gold medals at the Culinary Olympics and the Culinary World Cup. The kitchen, complying with international standards in food safety and hygiene, serves out a vast range of delicious dishes, which you could not fully sample even if you stayed at the hotel for two weeks.

Enjoy international cuisine on theme nights including Mongolian Wok, Sri Lankan, Italian, Greek, Chinese, barbeque and South Asian. You can also enjoy an extensive range of fresh seafood. Each dish served is a work of art, lovingly crafted by the master Chefs. The restaurant at Neptune Hotel combines the best traditions of international fine dining, with a Sri Lankan touch, making the meals here a unique experience.

HOTEL FACILITIES

The Neptune Hotel provides a comprehensive range of facilities to ensure your complete satisfaction. Facilities and services for guests include:

Bicycle for hire – Self Parking – Ayurveda Village – Safe at Reception – Laundry Service – Foreign Currency Exchange – Drivers’ Quarters – Doctor on Call – Cybercafé – Beauty Salon – News Stand – Secretarial Services – Photocopying Services – Children’s High Chairs – Free Pool Towels – Danger Flag System – Public Beach Access – Life Guard – Free Sun Chairs – Free Beach Towels – Free Sun Umbrellas – Elephant Rides – Horse Rides – Cycling – Disco / Night Club – Karaoke –
Calypso Band – Organ Music – Oriental Band – Piano Music – Live Band – Cultural Shows – Magic Shows – Fire Dancing – Fire Limbo – Animation Programs

ACCLAIM

Thomson Holidays Gold Medal 1998
Thomson Holidays Gold Medal 1999
First Choice Gold Choice 1999
First Choice Gold Choice 2000
First Choice Gold Choice 2001
First Choice Gold Choice 2002
First Choice Gold Choice 2003
JMC Partners In Excellence 2001

CARBON PHILOSOPHY

Aitken Spence Hotels represent a unique Carbon Clean Green Philosophy that combines responsible tourism with environmental friendliness. The Neptune hotel has a comprehensive energy conservation policy with power cut-off switches, energy efficient lighting (CFL bulbs) and photo active garden lights.

The Hotel adhere to a philosophy of sustainable development that encompasses the following areas:
Energy efficiency, conservation and management
Reduction of freshwater consumption
Waste water management
Minimization of waste, reuse and recycling
Air quality protection and noise control
Land use planning
Social and cultural development
Ecosystem conservation

Not a piece of paper or polythene is allowed to escape from the hotel into its surroundings. All the waste water of the hotel is painstakingly recycled by a state-of-the art facility. The conservation and recycling processes of the hotel are also designed to assist the social and economic growth of the villagers who live close to the hotel. Commitment to conserving and protecting this unique natural and cultural environment for the benefit of posterity, is a foremost priority of the hotel’a management.

Sri Lanka has particularly strict laws to protect the environment and wildlife. The Neptune Hotel proudly complies fully with these laws, but also goes well beyond them; The Hotel takes pleasure in its conservation work, respecting the social and cultural sensitivities of the neighbouring communities, while assisting them economically. Neptune Hotel purchases local products and services, and involves all local communities in its environmental conservation work.

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Mexico

Family Holidays and Resorts in Mexico

Family holidays in Mexico offer many benefits. Though many cities are associated with constant partying, there are also many activities that are designed for young children and teenagers. It’s also a fairly common practice that children receive discounts at many of the more popular tourist attractions. Selecting an all-inclusive holiday package for the whole family is one of the best ways for everyone to enjoy their time in Mexico, without having to worry about the cost.

If you are interested in visiting Mexico with your family, you will want to examine some of the many resort destinations that are specifically geared towards children. Such resorts usually offer an array of attractions and activities ideal for making the most out of your family holiday. Below is a summary of just a few of the many attractions and resorts that you may find exciting in Mexico. For additional information, you are encouraged to contact your local travel agent or use the internet to guide you in your search.

Located on the Mayan Riviera is the Xcaret Theme Park. The Xcaret Theme Park is a wonderful attraction for those who are looking for a family resort. Located in Cancun, Mexico, the Xcaret Theme Park is a theme park that is often compared to Disney World or Disneyland. Similar to Disneyland and Disney World, you can expect to enjoy a fun filled day at Xcaret, thanks to amazing rides and attractions.

A deep underground river is a popular feature of the Xcaret Theme Park. You and your family can see plenty of beautiful tropical plants as you enjoy a ride down the river. Xcaret is also host to many wild and exotic animals. There is a butterfly pavilion, a coral reef aquarium, and you are given the chance to swim with dolphins. Many children, as well as adults, will be thrilled with the experience. In addition to the Xcaret Theme Park, Cancun offers many family friendly resorts. To find a luxury resort that offers family oriented activities you may want to check the link or speak with your local travel agent.

Cozumel also offers many great attractions and activities that are designed for individuals of all ages, especially children. The place is famous for family diving holidays, especially because it has one of the lowest crime rates in Mexico, as well as the world. Cozumel is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs too, which are a huge attraction for scuba divers, but also ideal for snorkelling with the kids. This often creates an incredible adventure and learning experience for children. If your kids enjoy scuba diving or snorkelling, then you will want to plan a trip to Cozumel as it’s a lot less expensive than places like the Maldives.

With so many options for families, choosing a Mexican all-inclusive holiday is a great idea. Holiday packages will also include items such as snacks, drinks, meals, as well as hotel accommodation and sometimes even airfares. Teaching children about various cultures and customs and letting them view the Mayan ruins first hand is an amazing lesson in geography and history. While education is nice, the above mentioned locations do not completely just focus on it. There are so many fun filled activities such as snorkelling, diving, swimming, hiking, fishing, sailing, and parasailing. These activities are great for families with active children.

In addition to the above mentioned popular Mexican destinations that are designed for the whole family, you may even want to consider a romantic getaway for two, as Cozumel is also known to be one of Mexico’s most romantic destinations.

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Mexico

ATV Tours in Mexico with Jungle Jim

While holidaying in Mexico there are an unlimited number of places to visit and lots of activities to participate in. If you have never had the opportunity to visit Mexico before, you may wonder just what some of the activities are. How about the jungle? Does exploring the jungle sound like fun?

It you think that exploring Mexican jungles sounds like a fun and exciting activity then you are not alone. Jungle tours are currently a well-kept secret in Mexico, for the most part. However, they are rapidly beginning to increase in popularity. One of the many reasons why jungle tours are becoming popular is because of how the tours are being carried out.

In most Mexican jungles the terrain makes it difficult or sometimes even impossible for guided tours to take place from a bus or a car. Hiking or biking is often dangerous and not very practical If you are interested in scheduling a Mexican jungle tour, you will find that the most practical tours are usually ATV jungle tours. The all terrain vehicles are what make most jungle tours fun and exciting.

If you are thinking of an ATV jungle tour, you might want to find a tour guide or company specialising in ATV rental tours, as it’s generally advisable against touring the jungles on your own. Professional ATV tour guides not only know where to look in the jungle for exciting adventures, but they also know how to keep you safe. To find an individual or company that specialises in ATV jungle tours, you can contact your travel agent or do the research yourself.

While researching ATV jungle tours, it is likely that you will not find many UK based tour companies offering the service. It is advised that you determine the location of each tour and then compare it to your intended Mexico destination. ATV jungle tour guides are not hugely popular and they can only be found in limited areas. If you are interested in scheduling an ATV jungle tour, you may have to be prepared to travel to the intended tour site which is generally off the beaten track.

If you plan on holidaying in or around the Cancun area, you may be able to schedule an ATV tour with Jungle Jim’s ATV Adventures. According to their website, their ATV tours have been rated as the best ATV tours in the area for two years. Another fairly popular operator is Cozumel Tours who offer ATV jungle tours in and around the Mezcalitos area. Cozumel Tours and Jungle Jim’s ATV Adventures are just a couple of the many ATV tours that can be found in Mexico. If these tours do not service your area, you are encouraged to keep on looking.

ATV jungle tours have become extremely popular but they are also lots of fun just thrashing around the beaches. Many tourists find it exciting to ride an ATV along the coast while sometimes venturing off into the jungles for a bit of a rougher ride. If you are interested in scheduling an ATV tour, whether that tour is of the jungle or beach, you are encouraged to determine whether or not reservations will be needed. The need for reservations often depends on the tour company which you plan on doing business with, but with more company’s popping up every month, and even some hotels offering the service, you shouldn’t have too much difficulty finding a machine to burn off into the sunset on.

As previously mentioned, you can either research or book your own ATV jungle tour reservations on your own or can do so with the assistance of a travel agent. When selecting reservations, you may want to be on the lookout for tour packages. These packages may include a wide range of Mexico tours, in addition to ATV jungle tours. Many times, you may be able to schedule an ATV tour, hiking tour, or snorkelling/scuba diving adventure all in a tour package for one low-price.

It is likely that you expected to find an unlimited number of activities on your Mexico holiday but did you honestly expect ATV jungle tours? In Mexico, it is often difficult to know what to expect. Perhaps, the unexpected and unknown is what draws so many British tourists to Mexico.

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Sri Lanka

Sigiriya Village Hotel, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

DELUXE LODGE |120 EARTH-TONED COTTAGES

Located in the midst of serene jungle surroundings the Sigiriya Village Hotel resides in the shadow of the magnificent rock fortress itself. Visit the Sigiriya Village and enjoy impeccable service and royal treatment bestowed upon you by gracious staff. The architecture of the hotel is fabulous and most impressively complements the hotels most unique feature, her absolutely natural setting.

Located within Sri Lanka’s famed cultural triangle, the Sigiriya Village hotel offers guests easy access to all cultural, historical and religious sites in the region. The jungles around Sigiriya are dotted with wildlife parks and nature reserves and birding is a popular past-time in the region. A visit to the Minneriya National Elephant Reserve is also a must-do and can be arranged at the hotels front-desk. The hotel further offers guests mini-golf, badminton, tennis and board games on the premises.

ACCOMMODATION

The Sigiriya Village proudly boasts 120 elegantly decorated small cottages or bungalows, grouped together in 4 or 6 units and spread out across the lush gardens of jungle foliage. The accommodation options are enhanced by modern amenities and are offered in both air conditioned and non-air conditioned variants.

CUISINE

The dining is mainly buffet style, but always with an impressive spread consisting of continental, oriental and local cuisines. The local cuisine is extraordinarily good and is rich in both aroma and flavour. The cuisine is so good, that you are bound to remember the hotel for the food, if nothing else.

Products & Services: 120 rooms, some air conditioned – Room service – Mini golf – Badminton – Tennis – Jogging track – Swimming pool – Bird-watching – Elephant ride – Cultural shows – Some of the other hotel services include parking facility – safety deposit box – currency exchange facility – sauna – bar – concierge service – facilities for the disabled and much more.

Check-in/Check-out Time: Check-in is 12.00 noon and Check-Out is 11.00 a.m. An earlier Check-in or later Check-out can be requested on a case by case basis and the resort may agree depending on availability.

Address: Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Airport: Bandaranaike – Colombo International – 100miles

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Sri Lanka

Ramada Resort [ex Golden Sun Resort], Kalutara, Sri Lanka

RAMADA BEACH RESORT | 100 AC ROOMS

Ramada Resort which was formally the Golden Sun Resort is a wonderful family beach resort in Kalutara, Sri Lanka. Located on the edge of the golden beaches of Kalutara, the resort promises magical holidays high on luxury, sun, sand, surf and fun.

Experience a holiday of your dreams in this tropical oasis by the sea. Pamper yourself in the warmth of traditional hospitality in a luxurious setting with beautiful 5 acre landscaped gardens and exceptionally refined service.

As a Ramada Resort the hotel offers a high standard for a three star budget resort with excellent cuisine, luxurious amenities, good facilities and comfortable living.

ACCOMMODATION

There are two different types of rooms at the Ramada Resort, there are standard rooms and raised cabanas facing the ocean. All rooms are fitted with individually controlled air conditioning. The rooms have en suite facilities with hot / cold water and balconies facing either the sea or garden. Radio and piped music, cable television, mini bar, hairdryer, safe, telephones are standard in all rooms.

DINING

The food at the Ramada Resort is like everywhere else on the island, simply fantastic, offering guests a choice of local Sri Lankan specialities as well as continental cuisine. There are two main restaurants, of which “Waves” serves more standard cuisine, while the a’la carte restaurant “C Green” is for fine dining.

ACTIVITIES

Outdoor swimming pool with a Jacuzzi

Kiddie’s pool and playground

Fully equipped gymnasium

Sauna

Health centre for a relaxing massage

Floodlit tennis court

Squash court

Volley ball

Indoor games include – table tennis, pool table, monopoly, carom, draughts, darts and chess

Occasional evening entertainment

Excursions

The Kalutara Vihara – is located just south of the Kalutara Bridge and is the only dagoba (Buddhist shrine) in the world that is hollow. Its painted interior contains 74 murals, each depicting different aspects of the life of Lord Buddha.

Travelling time – 15 minutes (5km)

The Kalutara Basket Society – is situated close to the Kalutara Temple. It is well worth a visit to watch how skilled craftspeople twist the watakeiya palm leaf into various useful products.

Richmond Castle – is a beautiful example of Indian and British architecture. Originally a spice plantation mansion, the house is now open to the public.

UNESCO World Heritage Site
Sinharaja forest – is Sri Lanka’s oldest rainforest and an essential destination for the adventurous. The tropical rainforest contains many rare and endangered species of trees and plants. Sinharaja is also home to numerous animals including leopards, spotted and fishing cats, sambar, barking deer, wild boar and langur monkeys.

Travelling time – 1 hour (55km)

Check-in/Check-out Time: Check-in is 12.00 noon and Check-Out is 11.00 a.m. An earlier Check-in Time or later Check-out time can be requested on a case by case basis and the resort may agree depending on availability.

Address: Kalutara, Sri Lanka
Airport: Colombo International – 77KM

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