1. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
Confirm Paris’ reputation as the city of love, by proposing at the top of the Eiffel Tower overlooking spectacular views of the city. Afraid of heights? Set the tower as the backdrop by popping the question at nearby Trocadero Park.

2. London Eye, London, England
Lift that special someone off their feet and propose high in the sky on the London Eye - the largest observation wheel in the world. Avoid spectators by hiring a private capsule – complete with champagne – for that special moment.

3. Oia, Santorini, Greece
Watch the sun set over the caldera in Oia, on Santorini, overlooking the breathtaking Aegean Sea, renowned for its striking sunsets. Squeeze through the narrow passageways and white buildings, to the cliff-like Kastro walls – known for having the best views.

4. Alhambra, Granada, Spain
Described as a “pearl set in emeralds” by Moorish poets, the Alhambra in Granada, a former palace and fortress, is a perfect place to propose to your gem. Stroll through the magnificent gardens with cypress-lined walkways and listen to the water dance from the fountains.

5. Canals of Venice, Venice, Italy
An over-the-top romantic? Work up the nerve to pop the question while reclining on a gondola, gliding under the Venetian bridges, through the windy canals of Venice. Hire a opera singing gondolier so you’re hands-free for that perfect moment (and response).

6. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany
Propose like royalty at Neuschwanstein Castle, a 19th century Bavarian palace and former home to King Ludwig II. Channel medieval times by riding up the steep hill to the castle, located on Romantic Road, in a charming horse-drawn carriage.

7. Mount Pilatus, Lucerne, Switzerland
Don’t get cold feet at the summit of Mount Pilatus near Lucerne Switzerland, after chugging up the side of the mountain on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. Celebrate by shouting from the mountaintops, featuring panoramic views of more than 70 peaks and five lakes.

8. Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy
For the exhibitionist couple, the Trevi Fountain in Rome guarantees an audience and (ideally) cheering crowd. Toss a coin (not the ring) into the fountain, which legend says will ensure your return to Rome, hopefully not alone.

9. Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
Secure a life long connection at the 13th century Charles Bridge in Prague, featuring dreamy views of the Prague skyline. Lined with baroque statues and protected by three bridge towers, visit this walkway at night for a more peaceful moment.

10. Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence, Italy
With sweeping views of the entire city, Piazza Michelangelo overlooks Florence, the Arno River, and golden Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Get down on one knee near dusk when the crowds disperse, and a magical glow is cast on the city below.

source TravMedia

Sun Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce the opening of a new luxury resort in the Maldives this summer. Offering something special for the whole family, Iru Fushi Beach & Spa Resort is located in Noonu Atoll which, as a new atoll for tourism development, is virtually unspoilt, promising virgin landscapes and unexplored waters for guests to enjoy.

The perfect getaway for a honeymoon, family holiday or a scuba-diving experience of a lifetime, the resort is sprawled over 52 acres of stunning powdery white sand beach and abundant tropical vegetation and is accessed by a 45-minute seaplane from Malé airport. It offers 180 rooms, two large swimming pools, a selection of restaurants and bars, wine cellar, cigar lounge, PADI Gold Palm dive centre, spa and gym as well as a dedicated kids' club for the younger members.

The accommodation ranges from Beach Villas with outdoor bathrooms, sala and a circular Jacuzzi with ipod connection to luxurious Water Suites with their own private pool and separate living room. All rooms have been designed by locally famed architect Mohamed Shafeeq to complement nature, yet incorporate contemporary luxury with a rustic ambiance. They all are equipped with a comfortable divan which can double as a third bed – perfect for accompanying children.

With the emphasis on locally caught fish and seafood, the five restaurants offer an eclectic mix of fine dining from around the world with Asian, Indian, Moroccan, African and European influences.

Flavours & Spices promises simple, succulent Asian cuisine in a dramatic setting. Also incorporating the cigar lounge and wine cellar, it offers a tailor-made dining experience perfect for connoisseurs of fine wines or those wishing to celebrate a special occasion. Guests have a choice of over 1,250 bottles of selected fine wines from the resort’s cellar and can then ask the chefs to customise a menu that will ideally complement the wine from the particular region. Bespoke French, Spanish and Italian dishes can then be enjoyed in the intimate setting of the beautiful wine cellar.

For a more relaxed affair, the Islander Grill offers alfresco dining island-style in individual pavilions on the beach with themed entertainment for guests to enjoy. Alternatively, Café Trio serves authentic Maldivian-style high tea every afternoon as well as a choice of Maldivian, Indian and Italian dishes in a picturesque setting over the lagoon.

For something totally different, guests can opt for “SeaSha” dining, a destination experience to remember with individual Arabic tents on the beach overlooking the lagoon. Couples can enjoy sumptuous cuisine with Middle Eastern influence before relaxing on the Moroccan-style furnishings and enjoying a selection of shisha with the rhythmic sounds of the waves in the background.

Refreshing drinks are available at the Water’s Edge, the main watering hole and activity hub, and the two beach and pool bars will provide guests with the perfect place for cocktails whilst relaxing in the sunshine or enjoying the sunset and evening’s entertainment.

While the focus of the resort is on taking it easy, there will be plenty to do for the whole family, with two large swimming pools, floodlit tennis courts, badminton, volleyball, gym, a selection of watersports and a kids' club with child minders for younger guests where children can learn to build a traditional Maldivian Dhoni boat or simply play in the miniature village. Off island excursions will also be available.

The resort houses a PADI Gold Palm Sun International Diving School with an extensive range of PADI courses for beginners through to the more experienced. Boasting a house reef that is rife with both coral and brightly coloured neon fish, the uncharted waters will be a real treat for diving enthusiasts seeking new experiences to discover.

There will also be an extensive Sun Spa, which will take a holistic approach to health and wellness derived from time tested procedures using the Five Elements and traditional Ayurveda. The main complex will house hydrotherapy pools, steam, sauna, Jacuzzi and dedicated relaxation areas, with 15 spa pavilions tucked individually within the glorious vegetation ensuring maximum privacy and seclusion.

With a special introductory opening rate, seven nights at Iru Fushi Beach & Spa Resort starts from US$ 915 per person, on a half board basis. The price includes accommodation in a Beach Villa and a scenic 45 minute seaplane transfer. International flights are not included.

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum - 2008 Calendar Of Events
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum was created to honour those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever by the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. The Memorial and Museum are dedicated to educating visitors about the impact of violence, informing about events surrounding the bombing, and inspiring hope and healing through lessons learned by those affected.

Sharing Hope: One Stitch at a Time
January 12 – April 6, 2008
After the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, thoughts and prayers for hope and healing were woven into messages of support from all over the world. Experience the fabric of hope through this exhibition of quilts and textiles from the hearts and hands of talented men, women and children. Each tells its own unique story and depicts the emotions of a world offering its collective strength to Oklahoma City in every stitch.

Reporting Terrorism
April 14 – December 31, 2008
When terrorism strikes, people around the world turn to the media for information. Journalists bring breaking news, local needs and courageous stories of those most affected to the public. Reporting Terrorism features stories, artifacts and video from media who covered the chaos caused by terrorist attacks from the Oklahoma City bombing to the War on Terror. This multimedia exhibit provides a look at what is involved in reporting a crisis and brings reporters’ personal experiences to life. Artifacts include ABC Anchor Bob Woodruff’s combat helmet, the backpack used during triage when he was critically injured covering the war in Iraq, and items from members of the local and international media reporting these stories around the world.

Day of Remembrance
April 19, 2008, 9 a.m.
Each year we gather to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever by the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. ABC News Anchor Bob Woodruff will share his first-hand experience of Surviving Terrorism. He will be joined by state and local dignitaries, family members, survivors and rescue workers. Music and a reading of the 168 names will also be a part of the ceremony. The public is invited to this event, occurring on the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial.

Eighth Annual Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon
April 27, 2008
Listed in Runner’s World magazine among the 12 “Must Run” marathons in the world, the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is not about running – it is about life, honoring the memory of life lost through tragedy, celebrating the gift of life given equally to each person, and reaching forward into the future to life yet to be lived. More than 14,000 people from 49 states and seven foreign countries participated last year. Health and Fitness Expo take place April 25 and 26. Pasta Party is scheduled for April 26. For more information visit www.okcmarathon.com.

First Person – Stories of Hope
June 6 – August 29, 2008
1:30 p.m. each Friday
Family members, survivors and rescue workers share their remarkable stories of how tragedy was transformed into hope following the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. Included with admission to the Memorial Museum.

The Outdoor Symbolic Memorial is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free of charge. The Memorial Museum is open Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sunday, 1-6p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (62+) and $6 for students (5-college with valid ID). Children under 5 are admitted free. Group rates and programs are available. Special exhibits are included in the cost of admission. Ticket sales end at 5 p.m. daily. The Museum is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

OVER 65 SCENIC GUIDED WALKS

The 2008 North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival, Thursday 1 – Friday 9 May, embraces a full programme of sixty-six guided and speciality graded walks ensuring all levels of ability can discover the region’s beautiful and diverse scenery on foot.

Around two-thirds of the outings are new such as a 5.1 mile route taking in the gardens and wooded valley of Arlington Court (National Trust); a 6 mile walk ‘High Beacons and Cairns’ which climbs to the highest point on Exmoor with a good chance of seeing red deer, and ‘Springwatch Territory’ which passes by some of the North Devon landscapes around Hatherleigh featured in the BBC animal and wildlife series with Bill Oddie.

There will be free outings during two special Celebration Days over the Bank Holiday weekend. The first on Saturday, 3 May will be at RHS Garden Rosemoor, Torrington and includes two free walks, one around the garden with a member of their team and another with a festival guide exploring the environs of Rosemoor. Also on offer are a walk around Rosemoor with local professional photographer, Ross Hoddinott, on flower and garden photography, and a free illustrated talk about the South West Coast Path by walker and writer Paddy Dillon.

On Sunday, 4 May walking break specialists, HF Holidays, one of the festival sponsors, will host an open day at Holnicote House, near Selworthy with four free walks led by their guides.

New South West Coast Path Walk
A new venture for 2008 is a four-day, 35mile walk along the Exmoor section of the South West Coast Path from Minehead to Combe Martin including meals and accommodation at the Yarn Market Hotel, Dunster.

For those keen to try Nordic walking there’s an introductory session on Friday, 2 May to learn the basics with an opportunity to put newly acquired skills into practice during other walks later in the week.

Speciality walks include ‘A Taste of the Wild Food’ on 4 May which will provide an eye opening experience into the world of bushcraft and wild food with a 5.6 mile walk down woodland paths to discover the origins and uses of British flora and fauna both in cooking and medicine. Steam train enthusiasts will enjoy the ‘Light Railway to Gardens and Old Church’, also on 4 May, which takes in a ride on the narrow gauge Barnstaple to Lynton Railway and a walk around Parracombe.

Some of the outings follow sections of the 80mile Tarka Trail or explore Doone Country, an area of Exmoor made famous by RD Blackmore’s novel. There are also several flower and wildlife discovery walks through the Taw and Torridge river estuary and the North Devon Biosphere while favourites such as the map reading navigation day and trip to Lundy Island are being repeated.

The Walking Festival’s main sponsor is HF Holidays who are offering a prize three-night guided walking break for two adults at any of their 17 country houses around the UK. Other supporters include Brend Hotels; Mullacott Park, Ilfracombe; the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the North Devon Biosphere Reserve while the festival is organised by the North Devon Marketing Bureau with West Country Walks.

Prices, Booking and More Information
Two welcome walks on 1 May and some on 3 and 4 May are free but the majority of outings are priced from £5 - £6 for adults and £4 - £5 for children; specials such as the ‘Navigation Day’ and ‘Flower and Garden Photography Walk’ with Ross Hoddinott are higher at £7 - £11 per person. Nordic walks are £10 each to include pole hire and the day out on Lundy is £29.50 for adults and £16 for children. The four-day coast path walk is £299 per person including five nights accommodation and dinner at the Yarn Market Hotel, Dunster, packed lunches, transfers to and from each walk, a welcome reception and evening talks.

The privately-owned TodiCastle Estate is centrally and conveniently located to visit the significant Umbrian towns of Orvieto, Assisi, Spoleto and Perugia. There is an abundance of unique and characterful festivals and events that take place in the area. We’ve hand-picked our selection, which will appeal to jazz and classical music lovers, foodies, truffle-hunters, chocoholics, wine and culture-vultures.

1. Umbria Carnival – 15th and 22nd February
The Umbria Carnival takes place in Guardea and features an elaborate parade with spectacular floral decorations, flags, torches and candles. During the carnival guests may taste sweets typical of Perugia including a frittelle made with honey, sugar and fruits or the struffoli made with small balls of pasta sunk in orange honey and garnished with candies and sugared almonds.

2. Black Truffle Fair – 23rd – 24th February
More truffles are found in Umbria than anywhere else in Italy and it is especially famous for black truffles, a specialty of Italian cuisine. The primary truffle areas are around Spoleto and Norcia. The Black Truffle festival held on the last weekend in February is a great time to visit the region and taste the truffles. The festival attracts local and national food producers and other exhibitors including crafts, Folkloristic entertainment, conventions, shows and sports competitions all centered on the truffle.

Truffle hunting on Todi Castle Estate is a perfect way to spend time when in Umbria. An expert tartufaio (truffle hunter) and his dog will guide you to the discovery of the truffle and reveal the secrets of its search. You too can become involved in a fascinating "battuta" (combing of the area) in the search for the precious truffles.

3. Cantine Aperte – 25th May
Perfect for wine lovers the Cantine Aperte, which translates to Open Wine Cellars, is Italy’s biggest wine event taking place in May. In its 15th year this important event offers visitors the opportunity to taste Montefalco wines and is a unique opportunity for all those who love to visit the wine cellars and vineyards to explore Umbrian wine culture and all its secrets. The largest producers in the area offer wine tasting matched to typical local produce.

4. Procession of Corpus Christi – 15th June
Orvieto provides an atmospheric setting for the medieval and religious spectacular of Corpus Christi. Orvieto's version of this event recalls the 1263 Christian miracle of Bolsena in which, while a priest was giving mass, blood issued from the host. The linen altar cloth, on which the droplets fell, is traditionally kept in the Cathedral but is carried through the streets of Orvieto for the feast of Corpus Christi. The world-renowned parade featuring medieval dances, songs and music, starts at the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and ends at the Cathedral and sees more than 400 people celebrating with knights, ladies, musicians and flag men all dressed in 14th century costume.

5. Water Festival – June – July
This event, held at the Lake Piediluco, set in the Umbrian Hills, dates back to the extremely ancient tradition of the celebration of the Summer Solstice featuring rites, purification ceremonies and lighting of fires. As time has passed, the festival has retained its original features but has expanded to include other events such as an illuminated procession of decorated boats by night, firework displays, theatrical performances and concerts of classical music.

6. Festival dei Due Mondi – 1st July – 31st July
The Medieval town of Spoleto hosts one of Europe’s most vibrant festivals during the month of July with a remarkable programme of visual arts performances. Typically the festival begins with an inaugural concert on the Piazza Duomo outside the Cathedral. During the annual festival visitors can enjoy quality concerts of classical music, opera, theatre, ballet, visual arts and cinema at various venues across the beautiful city.

7. Todi Arte Festival, - 12th – 27th July
The annual Todi Arte Festival, in the last week of July is held in courtyards throughout the city, presenting theatre, music, classical and ethnic dance, and cultural events.

8. The Italian International Hot Air Balloon Grand Prix – 13th – 27th July
In its 20th year the Italian International Hot Air Balloon Grand Prix, held in Todi, sees more than 70 hot air balloons arriving from countries all around the world. The balloons are inflated twice daily creating spectacular photo opportunities. There are also many other attractions at the event to keep the whole family entertained.

9. Celebration of ‘Made in Italy’ – 4th–12th October
This nine-day event held in Orvieto each year, celebrates the wine and gastronomic tradition of the ‘Made in Italy’. The prestigious event was born in 1996, after a memorable world congress of the "Slow Food" Movement which took place properly in the Umbrian city. The event features conferences inside the beautiful museums and historic monuments, foot tasting, art exhibitions and themed dinners.

10. Eurochocolate – 18th – 26th October
This annual event will be any chocolate lovers dream! Dedicated to the chocolate for which Perugia is famous, this event comprises chocolate tasting, cooking classes, workshops and chocolate sculpting. Last year the Berlin Wall was recreated in chocolate bricks! Visitors will devour more than 50 tons of chocolate throughout this eight-day event.

11. Frantoi Aperti – 1st – 2nd November
The Frantoi Aperti festival, taking place during the first weekend of November, sees the doors open to several mills around Umbria offering visitors the chance to admire the olive trees, talk to producers and learn more about olive oil production through seminars and guided tastings as well as learning the secrets of a Mediterranean diet! Numerous farms and restaurants also take part in the festival by incorporating quality olive oil with traditional dishes. Some of the most important museums of Umbria are also free to visitors during the festival with guided tours.

12. Tasting of Italian Wines – 22nd – 26th November
This renowned competition, established in 1981 has now drawn considerable attention for its professionalism and aims to promote both nationally and internationally wine from Umbria. Relax over a dry white Orvieto, which is produced on the lands made fertile by the volcanic outpourings or simply take in the pride of the wine producers.

13. Umbria Jazz Winter Festival – 1st December 2008 – 31st January 2009
The Umbria Jazz Winter Festival delivers five days of great music in the picturesque setting of Orvieto. Concerts are held in the 19th-century Luigi Mancinelli Theatre, the halls of the Emilio Greco Museum, the 14th-century Palazzo Soliano, the Hall of the Quattrocento in the Palazzo del Popolo, and the Palazzo dei Sette. The event kicks off with street parades and continues with a series of knock-out performances. The New Years Eve dinner is the high point of a packed evening with music and concerts lasting well into the New Year.

14. Christmas in Umbria – 24th December 2008 – 6th January 2009
During the Christmas period in Umbria, religious ceremonies, historic commemorations and folklore events are organised. Living nativity scenes can be seen through many towns in Umbria and concerts of classical and jazz music are held in the beautiful churches. Visitors will also be able see the world’s largest Christmas tree made out of lights in Miranda, close to Terni and can be viewed from the valley below. Standing at 800 metres long and 400 metres wide and lit with over 7.5 miles of electric cables, it really is a spectacular sight.

Next Middle East travel ‘hot-spot’ gets second InterContinental Hotel. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement with H.E. Mohammed Bin Ajaj Al-Kubaisi to develop InterContinental Doha West Bay in Qatar. Targeted to open by March 2009, the 60-storey tower will be located in the city centre close to both the main shopping precinct and business district.

The 540-room property, which will comprise both hotel rooms and serviced apartments, is the second InterContinental in the Qatari capital and will cater to the rapidly increasing demand from both the intra-regional and international luxury business and conference sectors.

Andy Cosslett, Chief Executive, InterContinental Hotels Group, said, “Having hosted the Asian Games in 2006 and invested extensively in the tourism sector, Doha has established itself as a key player in the Middle East with a high international profile. The fact we are developing a second InterContinental in the city, is testament to Doha’s progression and its ambitious plan to invest US$15 billion in the tourism infrastructure and increase the number of tourists by 150% by 2010.”

“There are currently 10 further InterContinental properties in the development pipeline across the Middle East and Africa region and with a Holiday Inn hotel also set to open in the city, InterContinental Hotels Group is clearly committed to the expansion of this exciting destination,” continued Cosslett.

H.E. Mohammed Bin Ajaj Al-Kubaisi, who signed the agreement with Cosslett, said, “We are delighted to partner with InterContinental Hotels Group on this prestigious project and we look forward to creating a market-leading product that exactly meets the demands of the increasingly sophisticated traveller arriving in Doha every day. InterContinental Doha West Bay will stand out as an iconic building in the centre of this thriving city and we’re confident it will quickly build a global reputation for excellence.”

InterContinental Doha West Bay will have a state-of-the-art Conference Centre, which is expected to attract corporate and government-related businesses to the city, looking for high-quality Meetings, Incentive, Conference and Exhibition (MICE) facilities. Doha is also diversifying its product, by pursuing specialised markets such as education and sports-related tourism.

A Club Lounge and business centre will be made available to business class guests and the property will also offer luxurious rooms and amenities as standard, focusing on giving guests insider knowledge on Doha, allowing them to discover the best the destination has to offer.

Food and beverage outlets will include an all-day dining restaurant and lounge, seating more than 200 guests, a steak house, and a Sushi and Dim Sum venue. Further restaurants will be located on the 55th and 56th levels.

While a gourmet shop at the Lobby Level, is being specially designed to support Residence Suites guests, a gym, spa and outdoor swimming pool will be integrated into the contemporary hotel design on the 46th floor.

According to the Qatar Tourism Authority, 973,656 visitors arrived in Qatar in 2006, representing a 33.4% increase on the previous year. Supported by large investments in the tourism sector this growth is expected to continue to reach a target of 1.4 million tourists by 2010.

The country’s infrastructure is currently undergoing significant development to support this growth with Doha International Airport being expanded and upgraded at the estimated cost of US$2 billion. Due for completion in 2015, it will be transformed into a state-of-the-art complex, together with twin parallel runways and almost 25 gates, able to simultaneously handle six airbus jet planes. Qatar’s national carrier, Qatar Airways, signed a deal in 2005 with Airbus, the European aircraft manufacturer, to purchase 60 A350 jet airliners worth US$ 0.6 billion. The aim is to treble the fleet to 120 airliners by 2015 and also develop a global cargo service.

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has just opened its 150th hotel globally at Dubai Festival City and currently has 35 properties and 10,584 rooms in the Middle East and Africa region alone.

Packed with useful advice, fabulous imagery and inspirational features on the best walks in the Austrian Alps, the brand new Walk Austria 2008 guide is now available free of charge from the Austrian National Tourist Office.

A growing number of British and Irish visitors are discovering Austria’s long, sunny summer and its pristine lakes and mountains as a refreshing, affordable and increasingly fashionable alternative to the beach. The Walk Austria 2008 guide is a comprehensive overview of renowned hiking trails, highlighting the most stunning routes as well as local culture, cuisine as well as useful advice from experts and information on sustainable walking holidays.

Legendary Austrian mountaineers such as Peter Habeler, who led the first team to the summit of Mount Everest without oxygen in 1978 together with Reinhold Messner, and Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner, one of only two women in the world to successfully summit 10 of the world’s 14 800m peaks, share their insights and experiences. They also reveal their favourite walks and explain their passion for the mountains.

The guide was written and researched by a panel of British experts including Kev Reynolds (leading walking guidebook writer), Jonathan Manning (editor of Country Walking) and Dan Bailey (adventure travel journalist).

Featured regions:

Carinthia

With over 2000 hours of sunshine a year and lakes stretching out in every which direction, it's easy to see how Carinthia earns the nickname of 'Austria's Alpine Riviera'.
www.carinthia-info.at

Europa Wanderhotels

Planning your first walking holiday in Austria? Choose from one of the 35 family-run Europa Wanderhotels scattered throughout Austria’s beautiful natural landscapes, with some of the most striking sights in the Hohe Tauern National Park. www.wanderhotels.com

Kitzbühel

A skiers playground for sure, but what happens in warmer weather? The answer is easy - if you can’t ski the famous Hahnenkamm, then walk it! This is just one of the many themed route options available to walkers in this well-known resort region.
www.kitzbuehel.com

Ötztal

Skiers may be surprised to find out that when the snow melts, ushering in the colours
of a new season, the valley that is home to the popular ski resort of Obergurgl-Hochgurgl quietly transforms itself into a walkers’ mecca with surprises and wildlife around every bend.
www.obergurgl.com

Saalbach Hinterglemm

Locals will tell you that you’ve come to where Austria’s mountainous landscape is at its finest. A showcase of majestic peaks, towering ridges and the formidable sight of the Grossglockner, the highest glacier in the Austrian Alps, treat walkers as they negotiate the well-marked trails in the area.
www.saalbach.com

Tirol – The Eagle Way

The Eagle Way trail runs some 280km in its entirety through a stretch of northern Tirol, with its central section leading you through the provincial capital of Innsbruck.
The trail is divided into 31 stages, allowing you the flexibility of choosing an ambitious itinerary or a more leisure excursion of just a day or two.
www.tyrol.com/leading-resorts

Vorarlberg / Bregenzerwald

The charm of the region lies in its ties to tradition; it’s the feeling that you’re experiencing ‘the way things used to be,’ right here on your present day holiday. Dairy farms dot the landscape and still remain at the heart of an area that is famous for its ‘Cheese Road’. Some great sampling to be had here!
www.vorarlberg.travel
www.bregenzerwald.at

Zell am See-Kaprun

Here, walkers are able to experience an assorted range of natural topography - sometimes all in one day! From thickly forested landscapes emerge grassy slopes, gradually leading to snowy mountain tops where a new vista of crystal clear lakes and rolling farmland awaits.
www.zellamsee-kaprun.com

Zillertal

There’s something to be said about a good meal after an active day spent in the mountains. Try just one delicious dish, created from locally-produced, organic foods, and you’ll see why the splendid chefs of the Zillertal region are at the forefront of Austria’s modern culinary tradition.
www.zillertal.at

Claremont Country Estate & Nature Reserve a member of the Navigate Oceania luxury collection has claimed the Grand Award title in the highly coveted Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report for 2008 (USA).

The only New Zealand award winner named in 2008, Claremont joins a prestigious Navigate Oceania past winner line up which includes Small Luxury Hotel members; Wharekauhau Country Estate and Treetops Lodge and Wilderness Estate.

Navigate Oceania is a luxury collection of 27 inspired destinations and unique experiences from New Zealand and Fiji’s best boutique hotels, luxury lodges and resorts, an exclusive private island, oceanfront villas, spa destinations, a small luxury expedition-style cruise ship, and a private motor yacht. Karine Thomas, director of Navigate Oceania said, “Navigate Oceania only partners with those who can offer a truly authentic experience, true to their region or their unique character. Many of the Navigate collection are multiple award winners, but Claremont has excelled; to be voted exclusively in New Zealand a Grand Award title is truly prestigious, a sign of an emerging jewel on the worlds’ luxury boutique hotel stage ”.

The Andrew Harper Hideaway Grand Award list is compiled just once per year and singles out properties who have demonstrated a strong individual personality coupled with devotion to personal service. Being small in size is a must as is its spirit of sincere hospitality. The accolade is prestigious; the Andrew Harper Grand title separates those properties that are merely good from those who are truly enchanting. The Hideaway Report is a privately published newsletter dedicated to the sophisticated traveler, 85% of the recipients of the newsletter hold the title of CEO/President/Owner/Partner.

Claremont provides luxury lodge accommodation with an unequalled geological experience and is an excellent hub from which to explore Christchurch and Canterbury. The 1866 heritage homestead is just 45 minutes from Christchurch airport, and close to over 80 Waipara wineries. Situated on a 2,400 acre working deer and sheep high country station (ranch), the historic property lies on the edge of the Waipara River amongst manicured, mature gardens, with a backdrop of the Southern Alps. There is whale watching at the nearby coastal town of Kaikoura and options for trout and salmon fishing are innumerable.

Andrew Harper has also given special recognition to the nearby Pegasus Bay as being ‘the Most Hospitable Vineyard in the World’, which lies in the heart of the Waipara wine region and is just 10 minutes from Claremont. The winery specialises in Pinot Noir and what Mr Harper describes ‘an exceptional Sauvignon Blanc’.

Fourteen British establishments collected 20 awards in the biggest international hotels awards scheme of its kind, the results of which were announced today.

Millions of travellers selected the World’s best hotels - A London hotel collected four awards and is the UK’s best for luxury, whilst the UK dominated the Best Inns and B&B’s category.

Britain’s 10 Dirtiest Hotels – Six repeat offenders, four from the same chain.

A total of 325 hotels around the world were honoured in the sixth year of the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice competition. Unlike any other hotel awards programs that survey perhaps thousands of people, TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice winners are based on the millions of real and unbiased reviews and opinions about hotels on TripAdvisor sites and content from across the web.

The Chesterfield Mayfair, in London, took the laurels for best performing British hotel. The establishment, which was a two-times winner in last year’s Traveller’s Choice has enhanced its popularity among travellers and taken awards in four categories (Top 100 Best Luxury World, Top 10 Best Luxury Europe, Best in Top 25 Destinations, Top 10 Best Service Europe). This Regency-style town-house hotel is described by TripAdvisor travellers as “exquisite”, “beyond expectations”, “spotless”, “great value”, “peaceful retreat” in a “perfect location” with “first class service”.

Last years best performing British hotel in the Top 100 Best Luxury category, the Atlantic Hotel in St Brelade, Jersey, made the list again. There were six British hotels in the 100 Best Luxury category, including the Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Dorchester, which was also ranked in the Top 10 Best Service Europe, referred to on TripAdvisor as “no better, less pretentious small hotel in England”.

The Rudding Park Hotel, Harrogate, also collected a brace of accolades (Top 100 Best Luxury World and Top 10 Best Luxury Europe), as did the Coswarth House Hotel in Padstow (Top 10 Best Hidden Gems World and Top 10 Best Hidden Gems Europe).

However, it was in the Best Inns & B&Bs Europe category that Britain cleaned up, with five out of the top 10 (Bay Tree House and Annex, London; Chestnuts House, Bath; Gerald’s Place, Edinburgh; Badminton Villa, Bath; Gwynfryn Bed and Breakfast, Conwy, Wales).

Nationwide, awards went to 11 hotels in England and one each in Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands. Other British successes were the Cottage in the Wood Country Hotel Keswick and the Orchard House, Northumberland National Park, both for Top 10 Best Bargain Hotel Europe.

To find out more about award winning hotels in the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2008, visit www.tripadvisor.co.uk, for more reviews and candid holiday photographs.

The UK’s Top 10 Dirtiest Hotels
TripAdvisor has also announced the UK’s 10 “dirtiest” hotels, based on traveller ratings for cleanliness. This year saw no less than six repeat offenders, including four from the same hotel group, Britannia. The Europa Gatwick appears on the list for the third year running. However, topping this year’s roll of grime is the Nanford Guest Hotel, Iffley Road, Oxford, which has moved up a place from its #2 ranking last year.
When it made the list last year, the Oxford Mail reported that the hotel has twice been fined for food hygiene offences and that city council spokesman Louisa Dean said: "The Nanford Guest House is one of the very few hotels in Oxford that we do not recommend to visitors.” Richard Webb, group manager for community safety at Oxfordshire County Council, told the Oxford Mail that the council had been in talks with the hotel about improving standards. Clearly improved standards have not filtered through to the Nanford’s guests who have described it on TripAdvisor as “horrendous”, “squalid”, “total and utter dump”, “dirty, smelly and should be shut down”.

The Roll of Grime

1. Nanford Guest House* 137 Iffley Road, Oxford OX41EJ
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Revie...gland.html

2. Manor Court Hotel, London, 7 Clanricarde Gardens, Notting Hill, London SW5 0PJ
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Revie...gland.html

3. Britannia Hotel Stockport* Dialstone Lane, Stockport SK2 6AG
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Revie...gland.html

4. Europa Gatwick* Balcombe Rd | Maidenbower, Crawley RH10 7ZR
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Revie...gland.html

5. Whiteleaf Hotel, 66 - 68 Inverness Terrace, London W2 3LB
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Revie...gland.html

6. Park Hotel, London* 64 Belgrave Road, London SW1V 2BP
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Revie...gland.html

7. County Hotel, Carlisle, England 9 Botchergate, Carlisle CA1 1QP
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Revie...gland.html

8. Britannia Hotel Birmingham,* New Street, Birmingham B2 4RX
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Revie...gland.html

9. Eden Plaza Hotel, 68-69 Queens Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5JT
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Revie...gland.html

10. Britannia Country House* Palatine Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 8UF http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Revie...gland.html

* Featured on last year’s roll of grime

2008 Traveller’s Choice UK Best Hotels (ranking in brackets)

100 Best Luxury World
The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel, London (9)
Rudding Park Hotel , Harrogate (12)
The Atlantic Hotel, St Brelade, Jersey (49)
Hotel 41, London (78)
Draycott Hotel, London (85)
Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Dorchester (91)

Top 10 Best Luxury Europe
The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel, London (4)
Rudding Park Hotel, Harrogate (7)

Best in the 25 Most Popular Destinations
The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel, London (6)

Top 10 Best Hidden Gems World
Coswarth House, Padstow (8)

Top 10 Best Hidden Gems Europe
Coswarth House, Padstow (6)

Top 10 Best Bargains Europe
The Cottage in the Wood Country Hotel, Keswick (7)
The Orchard House, Northumberland National Park (10)

Top 10 Best Inns & B&Bs Europe
Bay Tree House and Annex, London (3)
Chestnuts House, Bath (4)
Gerald’s Place, Edinburgh (5)
Badminton Villa, Bath (6)
Gwynfryn Bed and Breakfast, Conwy, Wales (8)

Top 10 Best Service Europe
Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Dorchester (5)
The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel, London (6)

Awards Selection

The TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award winners for 2008 were determined by a combination of TripAdvisor’s Popularity Index and traveller ratings of specific property attributes. TripAdvisor’s Popularity Index is a proprietary algorithm that determines traveller satisfaction based on a variety of sources, including TripAdvisor hotel reviews and travel articles and opinions from across the web. TripAdvisor recently added ratings to the hotel review process, allowing travellers to “grade” hotels based on a variety of attributes, including cleanliness, value and suitability for specific types of travellers. source TraveMedia

What? Not to burst anyone’s bubble, but Canada has done the impossible: it’s shrunk down seven of its provinces to fit under a dome the size of a railcar. Welcome to the Canada Dome at Canary Wharf.

It’s a fully interactive experience, designed to ignite the senses and make you feel like you’re actually fishing off a dock and breathing in the clean salty air of Canada’s Atlantic Coast, soaking-in the rich earthy aromas of Ontario vineyards, swinging to the jazzy tempo of Quebec’s sultry nightlife, or just sitting back in a spa as colossal pines sway back and forth in the rugged wild of Alberta’s rockies.

Dome visitors that want to get in on the real thing and find out what fresh air really smells like have a chance to win a 13-day trip for two to Atlantic Canada. You can fill-out the contest entry form there in person or online at http://www.canada.travel.

Why? It’s all part of a new campaign from the Canadian Tourism Commission and its industry partners (Destination Quebec, Tourism Ontario, Travel Alberta and the Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership) that embraces sensory overload in order to bring UK consumers a very seductive sample of the sights, sounds and tastes that are making Canada the surprise destination for 2008. The experiential campaign also embraces Bluetooth technology to ensure local mobile phone users get details of the dome and the competition. The dome is scheduled to open on Monday January 21st, 2008.

Something else to lookout for over the next couple of weeks - London tube travellers settling back into the crush of busy commuter life will have some fresh reading material to look at as stops and transfers from Bank to Covent Garden to Knightsbridge and Holborn feature a catwalk of nearly 300 posters showing-off stunning Canadian experiences.

Watch out for the projections – large scale projections are scheduled to appear around London too and Londoners may even think at times that they are hearing wolves on the loose.

Londoners wanting a bigger read about these fantastic Canadian experiences will also find Canada inserts in METRO between January 14th and February 15th and in The Guardian on January 26th. These inserts will feature actual Canada packages. An online campaign on sites such as MSN and TripAdvisor, amongst others, will complement the activities as will a full search engine optimization campaign. source TraveMedia