August 2012 – Page 3 – Purple Travel Official Blog

A night less ordinary: Cool Tree House Hotels

Aug 14 2012

From Wendy houses to dens made from fresh laundry, childhood lodgings required big imaginations. However, the latest trend in the hotel industry is set to turn these youthful dreams into a reality. Enter the tree house hotel; a marriage of the unique and the familiar, returning us to treasured childhood memories and allowing us to indulge in our adventurous side. And with many creeping up on the five star mark – who said luxury was limited only inside four walls?

No longer solely occupied by young boys and Ewoks, tree houses now offer audacious travellers an experience, which stands apart, particularly in an age of roadside hotel chains and Mediterranean high-rise apartment buildings. So, forget the stale continental breakfast and stark, inpersonal room and opt instead for a treetop retreat. Here’s our pick of the best tree house hotels around the world – go ahead, branch out…

Tsala Treetop Lodge
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

The impressive Tsala Treetop Lodge has ten secluded stone-and-glass lodge suites, with breathtakingly views of the lush Tsitsikamma Forests, extending across rolling valleys towards distant hills. Decorated in an Afro-baroque style, the Lodge boasts floor-to-ceiling bedroom windows, a log fireplace in the living room, a private deck and an infinity-edge pool. The décor appears to emulate the monumental ruins of an ancient central African civilisation, with earthy colours, rich textures and handcrafted fittings. In fact, the entire Lodge mimics the diverse cultures of Africa, from the exotically appointed dining room to the intimate glassed-in lounge, or the large open decks high above the forest floor.

Cedar Creek Treehouse
Ashford, Washington

After climbing up a winding stairwell, reaching 50-feet up in the air in a centuries-old Western Red Cedar tree, you will discover the Cedar Creek Treehouse. Bordering Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Cedar Creek boasts stunning views, which are even greater when seen from the recently added observatory – 100 feet up a nearby fir tree – which looks out on magnificent Mount Rainier. The tree house features sleeping space for five, a kitchen, and an observation deck with indoor hammock. A night in the cabin includes a tour of other structures on the property, including the “Stairway to Heaven,” “Rainbow Bridge,” and the glass-enclosed observatory.

Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel
Brazilian Amazon

Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel is one of the largest commercial tree house hotels in the world. The eco-friendly Hotel was built in 1987 by Dr. Francisco Ritta Bernardino under the inspiration of oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, who made it his quest to preserve the fragility of the magical Amazon Jungle. Located around 35 miles from the Amazon gateway city of Manaus, accommodations include the President Lula ‘Tarzan House’, built at canopy level with its own private balcony, plunge pool, and Jacuzzi and on site are two 150-foot-high observation towers, offering clear views of the jungle. While staying, why not take the chance to navigate your way round the Amazon River, swim with rare pink dolphins and trek through the rainforest?

Tranquil Resort
Wayanad, Kerala, India

Tranquil Resort is located in southern India on a private 400-acre estate, complete with a working coffee and vanilla plantation. The main lodge and its eight well-appointed rooms occupy the Kerala rainforest, a supreme spot in which to place the 500-square-foot tree house. Built from coffee wood and equipped with a king-size bed, a full bath, veranda, and the trunk of a flowering Royal Poinciana growing through the bedroom, the Tranquil Resort tree house is a peaceful escape in stunning surroundings.

Hinchinbrook Island Resort
Hinchinbrook Island, Australia

This 96-acre national park presents idyllic beauty, with lush rainforests, rugged mountains, and untouched sandy beaches. The Wilderness Lodge, a secluded oasis hideaway with 15 roomy timber tree top bungalows, complements the natural environment of the Island. Each tree house has floor-to-ceiling glass windows, its own small kitchen, a private balcony and a bath tub for extra relaxation. Easy beachfront access means exploring one of the island’s eleven secluded beaches has never been easier, while in the evenings guests are welcomed to relax at the Wilderness Lodge bar.

Tree House Lodge
Limón, Costa Rica

The 10-acre beachfront property, located in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast, features a sustainably built tree house composed of fallen trees. Built upon tall stilts, submerged by the forest, the house is reached via a sloped wooden suspension bridge leading to its front door. Inside it’s split level: upstairs, a double king size bed and a small ensuite toilet; downstairs, a second double bed, a single bed and a kitchen. Why not snorkel or kayak off the nearby Punta Uva Beach during your stay?

Maravu Plantation
Matei, Fiji

Maravu, which sits on Fiji’s 168-square-mile Taveuni Island, features a tree house built in an ancient rain tree, enjoying panoramic views of the sapphire South Pacific. Inside the bring-you-back-to-childhood house are a myriad of creature comforts, including leather and palm-wood furniture and an outdoor courtyard with an open-air shower and Jacuzzi pool. While staying, guests can relax at the resort’s spa with a massage or a hydrating coconut scrub, or explore nearby Bouma National Heritage Park’s pristine rainforest and 65-foot waterfalls.

Alnwick Gardens

Surrounded by the vibrant, lush Alnwick Gardens is a colossal tree house – the Alnwick Treehouse. The garden, created by celebrated garden designers’, Jacques and Peter Wirtz, has a beautiful landscape that includes England’s largest collection of European plants. The tree house itself complements its environement and serves as a restaurant as well as an activities centre. If you don’t feel like spending then night, the restaurant is open for meals throughout the day and serves organic and local meat and fish, as well as offering performances of live music.

Purple Hearts: San Antonio Ibiza

Aug 13 2012

San Antonio spent the first 2,000 years of its existence as a small, quiet fishing village on the west coast of Ibiza. Calm, quaint and conventional, the town was the picture of Spanish simplicity. Then – enter the Brits: destroyers of all that is good and pure in the Med. Part of the mass tourism initiative, which took place across all of Spain (see Benidorm for starters), San Antonio Ibiza soon came to be known as the clubbing capital of the world.

Despite its football hooligan stigma, San Antonio gained even more popularity in the mid 1990s, when the rave scene was at its highest. Even today, young British clubbers make up the vast majority of visitors to the area, along with stag ‘n’ hens and an increasing number of German, Italian, Scandinavian and Dutch guests.

When to visit San Antonio Ibiza?

Couples and families The pre-season months of May and June, and the later months of September and October are the times for you to enjoy the new promenade, the sea and the fantastic beaches, just a short ferry ride away.

Young people and groups The high season months of July, August and the beginning of September are the best time to come if you are looking for buzzing nightlife.

Best beaches in San Antonio Ibiza?

In San Antonio, you’re never far from a beach. Each of the five small beaches within walking distance of the bay has its own character and atmosphere, so it’s best to try a couple of them before deciding which is your favourite. Playa Port de’s Torrent is a deep inlet into the coast, so the waters are tranquil and safe for swimming. S’Arenal de San Antonio is San Antonio’s main beach and stretches 500 metres along the coast, eventually joining up with the Bay. This is a beach for the active (not surprising really given its location) and there’s a wide range of water sports available to keep you busy, including sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing and diving. If you prefer something a little quieter, Cala Gracionetta is a beautiful, secret beach little just outside San Antonio. It’s a sister beach of Cala Gracio, located near the Stella Maris and Fiesta Tanit Hotels. You can also take a ferry boat to one of the nearby beaches, such as Cala Conta or Cala Bassa. They depart hourly from many landing points along the bay and from San Antonio marina.

Where to eat in San Antonio?

Sa Flama | Idyllic beach restaurant serving up Mexican favourites.

Tapas Bar Restaurant | Peaceful, water front restaurant with an open terrace, serving modern tapas, wines and cocktails, alongside chilled music and a laid back atmosphere.

Kasbah | Modern bistro, offering incomparable sunset views.

S’Avaradero | Come here for the best Spanish and Ibicenco cuisine, including fresh fish, paellas, pastas, pizzas, and a daily menu.

Sa Capella | Dine inside this old converted church – the ideal venue for grand wedding receptions or those special celebrations – for excellent quality Spanish and International cuisine.

Rincon de Pepe | This famous Tapas bar is one of San Antonio’s main attractions. From its rustic interior, to its street side patio to the street side patio it’s a true taste of Spain and a must for seekers of authentic flavours.

Things to do in San Antonio

Take a day trip | Ferries leave regularly from sign-posted points along the main promenade. Generally, they go out to the idyllic beaches of Cala Conta, Cala Bassa and Cala Tarida, but there are also daylong cruises to Es Palmador and Formentera (Ibiza’s sister island).

Fiesta | The fabulous Fireworks Display, which celebrates the fiesta of Saint Bartholomew on the 24th August, is best viewed from the main Square in San Antonio Bay. With it exotic flowering trees, children’s play park and cascading, musical fountains, is the focal point of the resort.

Go Clubbing | San Antonio is home to myriad bars, clubs and restaurants, as well as waterfront clubs, Eden and Es Paradis. Eden has been known to attract the BBC’s top Radio One DJs – Pete Tong, Judge Jules and Dave Pearce – while the pyramid-shaped Es Paradis is famous for its Water & Foam parties, where the whole central section of the dance floor becomes flooded.

San Antonio also offers the famous sunset bars on Caló des Moro, a.k.a. Sunset Strip, including the original sunset bar, Café del Mar, which has a yacht-like design. Its neighbours are equally plush; including Café Mambo, Savannah, Mint and Golden Buddha.

However, while an evening watching the sunset whilst sipping a strawberry Daiquiri may sound like a dream; this is generally not why tourists flock to Ibiza each year. Super clubs like Amnesia, Pacha, Space, Ushuaía Ibiza Beach Hotel and Privilege (the largest club in the world) are all about 15-25 minutes away in a taxi (or about 15-30 Euro’s a trip). Alternatively, you can catch the Disco Bus (!) from the main bus station – behind the egg roundabout. This runs every half an hour from midnight onwards and costs only a few Euros per journey.

What’s with the egg?

Aside from being a bizarre attraction, the egg does have some historical significance. This is the egg of Christopher Columbus and the ship represents his ship, the Santa Maria. When Columbus was hoping to finance his trip to the Far East, he was told it was impossible. So, he took an egg, and said, “Would you say it was impossible to stand this egg upright?” Of course, everyone agreed it was impossible. Columbus then lightly cracked the base, so that the egg could stand upright and said (a little over-dramatically if you ask us), “Nothing is impossible.” He then obtained the confidence of his financial backer.

Get the best cheap holidays to San Antonio from Purple Travel.

A Night Less Ordinary: Propeller Island City Lodge

Aug 10 2012

In this weekly series, we scour the world in search of the most weird and wonderful hotels. From cave hotels to converted prisons, capsule pods to underwater guestrooms, you can expect only the unexpected. This week, check out the Propeller Island City Lodge hotel in Berlin. You won’t believe your eyes, we couldn’t!

What’s the gimmick? There’s really no other place that Propeller Island City Lodge could exist than in Berlin, Germany. Probably one of the weirdest hotels to ever to grace any list of unusual hotels (or the world for that matter), Propeller Island is primarily a piece of art; all rooms and objects were designed by the German artist, Lars Stroschen, who built the hotel on the premise of “living in a work of art.” Each of the 30 rooms offers an absolutely unique and personal ambiance, with all furnishings inside them having been custom-made by the artist. The rooms vary from the tame to the extreme, creating the sense that you have entered an alternate reality or stumbled onto a film set.

Why stay? Ok, so this isn’t the most luxurious or even comfortable of hotels. Most of the rooms are on the small side, some share bathroom facilities, some are just plain scary, but really, how often do you have a chance to stay in a barn-themed room that includes a big pile of potato sacks packed with foam rubber? ‘Nuff said.

The Wow Factor: There’s really too many things to choose from here. There’s the Lion’s Den Room, which features two sleeping cages on stilts in the centre of the room and bathtub on an indoor balcony. The macabre Gruft Room contains two coffins instead of beds, built above a deep, dark labyrinth. Others include a jail cell room, “Grandma’s Room” with a hidden sink and toilet and décor from decades past, a Chicken Curry room, a room that’s all about nudity, an upside-down room and even one with a flying bed. And of course, the hotel’s own private gallery and themed eatery are no less bizarre. It’s all wow, it really is.

The Bikini Files Part 1: The Ultimate Bikini Diet Plan

Aug 09 2012

Welcome to the the Bikini Files Part One: The Ultimate Bikini Diet Plan. With just two weeks to go, there’s no putting it off any longer; nutritionalist, Stephanie Preston has whipped up a meal plan to help you lose those extra pounds in no time. Find out more in the ultimate bikini diet plan.

You’ve booked your holiday, you’ve bought a bikini, maybe you’ve even started to pack your suitcase, but still you’re dreading hitting the beach. Sounds familiar? Don’t panic! It’s never too late to get into shape, particularly if you have the thought of stripping off on the beach to motivate you.
We’ve teamed up with top nutritionist Stephanie Preston to bring you a bikini diet plan that will make sure you look and feeling amazing.

The rules

1. Drink more water. Drinking plenty of water helps to keep skin well hydrated in the sun, flush out toxins, reduce the appearance of cellulite, and even helps the body burn its calories more efficiently.
2. Three meals a day, no snacks. There’s no flexibility on this.
3. No grains – that means no rice, pasta, oats, rye, couscous, wheat, quinoa, bread, pizza, pastries, biscuits or cakes.
4. No beans – so forget lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, baked beans, hummus and dhal.
5. Restrict fruit. Your maximum is one portion of berries per day.
6. No alcohol. None. Not even on weekends. And no caffeine either. Unless you want to keep that cellulite.
7. 50-100g lean protein at every meal, such as white fish, oily fish, skinless chicken or turkey, lean beef and lamb, eggs, cheese, tofu or Quorn. Try to add nuts,seeds etc into meals to ensure you get your trace elements.
8. Vegetables are unlimited, except for root vegetables such as potatoes, turnips and parsnips and those which are high in sugar, such as beetroot, sweetcorn and sweet potato, which are all banned. Increasing the amount of vegetables eaten overall will ensure you get essential vitamins and minerals as well as aiding weight loss. and try to have a wider variety of foods to ensure getting all the trace elements e.g. nuts,seeds etc

While this may seem quite difficult at a glance, we’ve come up with this meal plan to help you along your way. And remember, if you have more than two weeks, you can loosen up on the rules slightly (include some healthy snacks such as fruit, nuts, carrots with dip etc) and include some exercise to keep you toned and fit. But if you’ve left it to the last minute – check yourself into our bikini bootcamp:

Example Menu

Breakfast | Pick one one the following each day:

Mushroom Omelette Thinly slice 100g mushrooms and fry in a non-stick pan with a little olive oil. When the mushrooms are browned, remove and keep warm. Then mix together 1 whole egg and 2 egg whites and cook in the pan. Top half with mushrooms and 25g crumbled feta. Fold.

Yoghurt and fruit Stir 50g fresh fruit – either a combination of berries or melon (no banana) into a pot of live natural yoghurt. Add a squeeze of agave nectar to flavour.

No-grain pancakes with blueberries Mix 50g low-fat cream cheese with 1 egg, then add ½ tbsp vanilla whey protein powder and ¼ tsp baking powder. Pour the batter into a pan and brown underneath, flip, then top with blueberries.

Scrambled tofu with tomato Add 1 tbsp of olive oil to a heated pan, and saute garlic and onions for about a minute until the onions start to get wet looking. Toss in some cubed tomato and mix everything together for about another minute so the tomato can get soft. Crumble some extra firm tofu into the pan and mix. Continue to cook until the tofu begins to look reddish from the tomato. Season with black pepper and serve.

Berry smoothie Whiz together 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder, 50g blueberries and a cup of water in a blender until frothy.

Lunch | Pick one of the following each day:

Greek salad Unlimited cubed cucumber, tomato, red onion, black olives and green peppers. Add 50g feta and mix, before serving on a plate. Splash with olive oil and black pepper to taste.

Brocolli with soy and Brazil nuts Break the broccoli into florets and steam for 4-5 minutes. Toss with raw baby spinach leaves once cooked. Crush garlic and whisk with sesame oil and soy sauce. Drizzle over warm broccoli and add 5 crushed Brazil nuts.

Raw vegetable crudites with chickpea-free hummus Put 1 medium courgette (peeled and chopped), ½ cup tahini, two cloves garlic, 1 tbsp lemon juice and ¼ tbsp cumin powder in a blender and whiz until smooth. Serve with capsicum, celery and carrot sticks.

Bread-free goats cheese open sandwich Toast a slice of bread-free bread (mix 150g ground almonds, 1 tsp baking powder, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 eggs; microwave on high, uncovered, for 2-3 minutes or until firm to touch). Top with 50g slice of goat’s cheese and melt under a grill. Serve with spinach and baby tomatoes.

Chicken and avocado salad Shred a cooked chicken breast (or 50g cheese if you’re vegetarian) on top of ½ bag of mixed leaves. Serve with half a sliced avocado, a generous sprinkling of celery, chopped black olives and balsamic vinaigrette.

Salad nicoise with tofu mayo Cook 100g tuna steak for 3 minutes on each side in a hot pan. Or, if you’re vegetarian, cook 50g of halloumi. Serve on top of ½ small bag of mixed salad leaves, 6 quartered cherry tomatoes and a 3cm chunk of cucumber (sliced). Tofu mayo: in a blender, put 250g tofu, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, juice of ½ lemon and ½ tsp cayenne pepper; whiz until smooth. Serve 1 large tbsp.

Carrot and Cabbage soya salad Grate one large carrot and ½ large Japanese radish into a bowl. Add shredded cabbage and toss thoroughly. For the dressing, whisk 1 tbsp mustard, ½ clove garlic, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar and 3 tbsp soya milk together. Pour over the salad and serve.

Dinner | Pick one of the following each day:

Moroccan lamb with fennel Trim the fat from 200g lamb fillet (or use a Quorn fillet if you’re vegetarian) and marinate in dressing (¼ tsp cumin, ¼ tsp thyme, small bunch mint, juice of ½ lemon, ½ tsp agave nectar and 1 tbsp olive oil – save a little for later). Cut 2 fennel bulbs into chunks and boil for 2 minutes. Drain, coat with remaining dressing and roast at 160°C for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, coat lamb with cooking spray and fry for 10 minutes. Serve with wilted spinach.

Green chicken curry Blend cauliflower to rice texture then cook in bamboo steamer. Fry ½ chopped onion. Add clove of garlic (crushed), 1 tsp grated ginger, ¼ tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp curry powder and ½ tbsp fish sauce. Add chicken breast cubes (or Quorn), brown, add 200g coconut milk and broccoli. Simmer for 15 minutes.

Fillet steak with cauliflower mash Cut a cauliflower into florets and cook in boiling water until tender, then mash. Add pepper and 1 tbsp natural yogurt. Set aside. Heat a griddle pan, spray 100g fillet steak on both sides (vegetarian option: large portobello mushroom) and cook for 3 minutes each side (or to suit). Onions optional.

Chilli and lime squid with zucchini ‘noodles’ Use a vegetable peeler to make long ribbons from two medium zucchinis. Wilt in a pan of boiling water, drain and set aside. Fry 100g squid rings (or tofu) in a non-stick pan until tender and opaque. Squeeze the juice of 1 lime on top and stir in zucchini noodles with ¼ deseeded and chopped red chilli. Serve with parsley.

Prawn and vegetable spring rolls Mix ½ clove garlic (crushed), ½ red chilli (chopped), 2 tsp agave nectar, juice ½ lime, small carrot (grated), ½ cup beansprouts, 100g prawns (or tofu) and 1 bunch each mint and coriander. Take a sushi wrapper, add 2 tsp prawn mixture and roll. Seal with hot water. Repeat. Serve with dipping sauce.

Tandoori chicken kebabs with sides Cut a skinless chicken breast (or tofu) into chunks, smear with a low-fat marinade and chill for 1 hour. Serve with cauliflower ground to couscous texture with 1 bunch each parsley and coriander, juice of 1 lemon, pepper and 1 tsp cayenne pepper. Grill the chicken on skewers and serve with a dollop of raita.

Click here for PART TWO: BIKINI WAX SURVIVAL GUIDE

Click here for PART THREE: HOW TO BEAT RAZOR BURN

Click here for PART FOUR: HOW TO GET RID OF CELLULITE

Click here for PART FIVE: FIND THE PERFECT BIKINI BODY FOR YOUR SHAPE

The Worlds Best Underwater Hotels

Aug 07 2012

With plans for the Discus Hotel in Dubai well under way, we felt it appropriate to give a little nod to the latest craze in hospitality. We’ve christened it, marine tourism. Sure, space tourism will be on the horizon soon enough, but until that day, the more audacious of tourists are checking themselves in to that great other beyond – the deep blue sea. Here ‘ocean view’ and ‘on the beach’ should be taken in their most literal sense; enter the new division of incredible underwater hotels.

Jules Undersea Lodge
Named after the author of 20, 000 Leagues under the Sea, Jules Undersea Lodge was the world’s first underwater hotel. Located in Key Largo, Florida, the Lodge began life as La Chalupa, a groundbreaking research facility, when it was originally built in the ‘70s. It was later transformed into a hotel in 1986, catering especially to lovers of the marine world. Set about 21 feet under water, the hotel can only be reached through diving. Visitors who are not certified divers must first complete Jules’ three hour crash course in scuba diving before they embark on their underwater adventure. Then, after diving down through the mangrove habitat of the Emerald Lagoon, guests resurface through a wet room entrance, and find themselves in a treasure trove of modern day life conveniences. Escapism is taken to extraordinary new heights (or should we say depths?) at this secret underwater clubhouse. When taking a break from marvelling at unobstructed views sea life in their natural settings through 42-inch windows, guests can enjoy all the creature comforts anyone could ask for. Expect to find air-conditioning, hot showers, a stereo, a DVD player and the world’s only underwater chef, who will serve breakfast at 8am every morning and dinner at 6pm, promptly. Jules really is the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. On an average evening the hotel is shared by two different couples, but it can accommodate a group of six friends in the congenial living quarters, designed by the award-winning firm of Richard F. Geary Interior Designers. However, exclusive use of the hotel can also be arranged for couples and the Lodge is even available for underwater weddings.

Not every undersea resort requires its guests to dive, or even to get wet. Poseidon Undersea Resort, located 40-feet below sea level in a 5,000 acre Fijian lagoon, can be reached by the convenience of an elevator. The $200 million Poseidon development, which includes seaside bungalows above the waterline, begins on a mile-long, palm-shrouded crescent of Fijian island. The elevator takes you down to the two dozen luxury suites, and also the restaurant, library, conference room and a convertible wedding chapel. Poseidon undersea is the first ever 5-star luxury underwater resort, and the brainchild of is L. Bruce Jones and his company, U.S. Submarines, renowned builders of deep-diving mini-subs and submersibles. Each of Poseidon’s suites is encased in a clear acrylic shell, four inches thick and a simple press of a button on your control console will feed the outside fish. Pretty impressive, right? However, guests looking to get in on this James Bond-style adventure will have to cough up a whopping $15,000 per person for seven days and six nights.

Utter Inn
Utter Inn is styled like a retro Swedish house, all painted brick red, with white trimmed windows. Primarily an art project by Mikael Genberg, Utter Inn offers underwater accommodation to the public (and by that we mean at affordable prices). After pulling up to the Inn by an inflatable boat that picks you up from the port of Vasteras, guests can step down into their room, which is three metres below water level in Lake Malarenl, Sweden. Then, after receiving all the instructions guests need, they are then left completely alone to enjoy their unique experience. Although alone, guests are also welcomed to use their inflatable canoe to visit the closest uninhabited island. Or if they prefer the ‘deluxe’ package, someone can deliver dinner by boat in the evening – hey, we’re talking about what an artist considers deluxe here, not a billionaire submarine company owner.

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant
Ok so you won’t be able to spend the entire night underwater here, but at the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, you’ll get a taste of the general idea. The restaurant serves up Maldivian-Western fusion cuisine, in the world’s first all-glass underwater restaurant. Offering unobstructed 180-degree views of the surrounding reef, Ithaa Undersea Restaurant offers diners the chance to marvel at 180° views of reef and marine life, whilst sipping on champagne cocktails. And located around 16 feet below sea level in the Indian Ocean, there are some truly spectacular sights to behold.

You should read : A hotel in a sewer?!

Purple Hearts: Sharm el Sheikh Holidays

Aug 06 2012

Purple Hearts: Sharm el Sheikh Holidays

What once was a tiny village at the very southern tip of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula has grown into one of the most popular holiday resorts in the world: Sharm El Sheikh. For the ultimate in sun, sea and sand, you’ll find relaxation in abundance on the beautiful golden coast of Egypt. For families looking for all ages fun, couples in need of some quality time, or adventure seeking groups, the beaches and scenery, aqua parks and desert day trips make Sharm the ultimate holiday destination. Find out more about Sharm el Sheikh holidays in our Purple Hearts Guide…

Diving: Known as one of the best diving spots in the whole world, it’s a swimmer’s playground. Sharm was initially built on a reputation of snorkelling and diving over 25 years ago – so there’s lots of experience for beginners to the most advanced underwater adventurer. Diving safaris are a great choice, they take you away from the crowded popular spots and you might be lucky to find a real hidden gem. The wreck of the SS Thistlegorm is also regarded as a great wreck diving point and pick from any number of diving and PADI schools and bam, you’ll be in underwater heaven in Sharm.

You should read: World’s best scuba diving spots

Ras Muhammed National Park: Take a boat trip to this natural wonder that’s also a Diving Hot Spot, with parrot fish and puffer that go as far as the eye can see. There are over 1000 species of fish and even sea turtles to get friendly with in this underwater adventure land and in parts you can see stretches of coral reef up to eight or nine km wide. You can organise these locally when you arrive.

Camel tour: If a Bedouin dinner under the stars sounds like something you’d be interested in, then head out on a camel safari at sunset to dine on local, home cooked meals from the comfort of a candlelit tent.

Grab a bargain: Sharm’s old market is a riot of colour, with the best in bargains from jewellery to handbags, paintings to clothes. As a tourist you’ll probably stick out like a sore thumb, but if you’ve got your haggling skills packed then it’ll be an opportunity for great fun as you bargain for sometimes up to an hour to get the best price. A little warning, women tend to get a little extra attention, so be careful you don‘t get swapped for a camel!

Hit the Clubs: Sharm el Sheikh is fairly bangin’ place after dark. There are lots of restaurants, bars and clubs that stay open to the early hours. Famous for attracting top DJs, it’s also worth keeping an eye on local information to see if someone good will be in town when you’re there.

Huh?

In May, Sharm plays host to the South Sinai Camel Festival, where you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of competing camels stampeding through the desert. It’s said over 250 camels take part from 17 different tribes, so grab your camera check out the bumpiest ride in town.

See

Mount Sinai: This is the historic mountain where it’s said Moses received the 10 commandments on two stone tablets. A sunset or sunrise day trip is a really magical experience and the jaw dropping views are something you’ll never forget.

St. Catherine’s Monastery: One of the best preserved sites of Roman and Greek heritage, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is found at the foot of Mount Sinai. Attracting visitors for hundreds of years, according to some sources, this is the place where God appeared to Moses in the form of a burning bush and where the holy relics of St Catherine are found.

Luxor: You couldn’t go to Egypt and not see some of the country’s most ancient wonders now could you? A day trip starts early (we’re talking 5am) but the breathtaking Luxor Temple, Temple of Karnak and Valley of the Kings make it all worthwhile.
Tiran Island: It’s believed that Tiran is the site of the parting of the Red Sea, as written in the bible’s Book of Exodus.

Hot

Dahab: The best thing we can think to do in Dahab is: very little actually. It’s made for completely relaxing and soaking up the sunshine on the long, sandy shores.

Naama Bay: The gently sloping beaches of Naama Bay make it an excellent choice to take the kids. Take your bucket and spade and enjoy the lively atmosphere among the many cafes, bars and restaurants along the seafront.

Taba: There are over five km of beautiful snady beach to choose your perfect spot. Surrounded by lots of palm trees, if you’re feeling energetic enough there’s a bit of beach volleyball on offer, or if you’re more into relaxing, we LOVE the idea of hammocks with a sea view between the palm trees.

Shark’s Bay: Is made of a beautiful curving cove, with loads of hotels, bars and restaurants nearby. Like most of the places in Sharm it’s a top diving location and has lovely views across the bay of Tiran Island.

Find the best deals on cheap holidays to Sharm el Sheikh from Purple Travel.

A Night Less Ordinary: DasparkHotel

Aug 02 2012

In this weekly series, we scour the world in search of the most weird and wonderful hotels. From cave hotels to converted prisons, capsule pods to underwater guestrooms, you can expect only the unexpected. This week enjoy a night in a concrete tube at the DasparkHotel

What’s the gimmick? The ‘rooms’ at DasparkHotel are constructed from repurposed drainpipes. Rather than an attempt at glorified camping, the three huge concrete drainpipes, set on a beautiful, lush patch of the Danube River in Ottensheim, Austria, actually provide the ultimate in post-industrial living. Each bolthole is about two metres in width and furnished with a double bed, storage space, lighting (but no windows) and blankets. When DasparkHotelwas built by designer Andreas Strauss in 2004, it was originally opened in Linz, but was later moved to the stunning setting of Ottensheim. A coat of varnish and wall paintings by the Austrian artist Thomas Latzel Ochoa completes the ‘hobo jungle’ vibes.

You should read… A Night Less Ordinary: Boot Bed ‘n’ Breakfast

Why stay? Ok so this doesn’t exactly connote luxury, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that concrete is actually incredibly comfortable. Simultaneously functional and comfortable, the three concrete sleep-pipes offer visitors to Austria the chance to experience the area in a totally innovative (and economical) way. The Dasparkhotel’s rooms are round like a barrel, providing maximum comfort in a minimal amount of space – a modern day squatopia.

The Wow Factor: Rather than sleeping on a reformed car bonnet or something along those lines as you might expect, guests will sleep on a double wide Eurofoam mattress held by an ergonomic slatted frame by Optimo – basically the ultimate in comfort. The thick cement keeps the interior comfortable and eliminates noise from outside, creating a secure-feeling environment. You will also find fresh pillows, blankets and sheets supplied every day and don’t fret about you camera or iPhone going dead – there is a 220V outlet for charging your electronic devices. And for the best bit? See below.

Guests who wish to spend a night or two are required to book their rooms at the hotel’s website. Because the hotel obtains sanitation, breakfast and other hotel facilities from existing public infrastructure, it is possible for them to work with the very simple, user-friendly “pay as you wish” system.

A night in dasparkhotel costs just as much as you can afford or want to pay.

You should read… A Night Less Ordinary: Dog Park Park Inn

Purple 10: Prague Tourism

Aug 01 2012

From ancient bohemian capital, to a buzzing modern city, Prague tourism (or Praha to the locals) has seen lots of changes over the years. In fact the whole centre of the city was named as a UNESCO World Heritage site so you know there’s lots to see and do.

Here’s our Purple 10 of the must see things to do and see around Prague.

Archive - August 2012