Category Archives: Beaches

Made in Rio

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From sun-drenched beaches to a backdrop of verdant, forested mountains brimming with wildlife, from exotic cuisine to warm, welcoming locals, Rio de Janeiro truly is the city that has it all, which is no doubt the reason why our Facebook fans voted it as one of their favourite cities. It might not be Brazil’s capital, but the Ciadade Maravilhosa (Marvellous City) is without doubt the life and soul of the party. Flamboyant and charismatic, Rio exudes vibrance, and is a hub of lively excitement in one of the most dazzling cityscapes in the world.

Sights to see

Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic monument, Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer), is the world’s largest art deco statue and in 2007 was announced as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Perched atop Corcovado (meaning ‘hunchback’ in Portuguese), the majestic statue overlooks Rio and can be seen from all over the city. However, it’s worth venturing up the mountain to appreciate the delicately crafted face up close and take in the superb views of the city, rivalled only by Sugarloaf Mountain‘s sweeping vistas of Guanabara Bay. Sugarloaf can be reached by cable car or, for the more adventurous, by one of the many climbing routes that vary in difficulty. Continue reading →

A Trip to Paradise

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We asked our Facebook fans to tell us where the best beaches in the world are. What better than a personal recommendation? Here, we’ve chosen our top five from all the inspiring suggestions… So, take your pick and get packing for a trip to paradise!

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Intensely turquoise waters gently lap pristine white sands against a backdrop of dramatic, jagged volcanic peaks; it’s no wonder that the eighteenth century explorer Captain James Cook christened Bora Bora as the “pearl of the Pacific”. For a luxury island retreat, stay at Le Méridien Bora Bora, and glimpse turtles and tropical fish in the lagoon through the glass-bottomed bungalows.

Jericoacoara, Brazil

For a more active beach trip, visit Jericoacoara. Perched on Brazil’s north coast, the beach enjoys year-round sunshine, warm waters and windy conditions, making it one of the world’s best windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations. The charming Pousada Vila Kalango, can organise tours and lessons, or you can simply lie back beneath the palm trees in one of the hammocks. Enjoy taking in the spectacular sea views with a frozen caipirinha in hand – a twist on Brazil’s signature cocktail. Continue reading →

Books for the Beach

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Nothing quite beats sitting on a sandy beach, listening to the sound of the ocean and reading a good book. But holiday reads can actually be more than just great literature, here is a collection of books set in some top holiday spots so that you can get to know your destination before you even step off the plane…

Undoubtedly the book to read before going to Barcelona, The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón tells the gripping story of a young boy who discovers a mysterious novel in the Cemetry of Forgotten Books. Zafón describes Barcelona in vivid detail, referencing squares, buildings and streets that still line the city today.

If you’re heading to France this summer, then immerse yourself in the world of Joanne Harris’ Chocolat. Famously adapted into a film starring Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche, Chocolat is the story of a single mother who arrives in a small French village with her six-year-old daughter and opens a Chocolaterie which soon casts a spell over the local town. Although set in a fictional town, the atmosphere of a typical sleepy village in the heart of the French countryside prevails throughout.

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Summer in the City: Stockholm

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Stockholm Archipelago - Ola Ericson/imagebank.sweden.sePlay a game of word association with ‘Sweden‘ and a predictable list of stereotypes will be reeled off: IKEA, ABBA, blondes, Stieg Larsson, but above all snow – and lots of it. Whilst wintery Stockholm, huddled under its blanket of snow, has an enchanting, fairytale quality, the reality is that with temperatures plunging as low as -15°C it’s simply too cold to enjoy all that this incredible city has to offer.

But winter doesn’t last forever and unbeknown to most, Stockholm’s best kept secret is its balmy summer weather. With temperatures peaking at around 30°C, the climate is pleasantly warm but not stifling – perfect for a visit to one of Stockholm’s many beaches or an outdoor pool at Eriksdalsbadet. Stockholm has all the advantages of a chic and cosmopolitan European capital whilst being friendly, intimate, and only a stone’s throw from the beautiful Scandinavian wilderness. Swedes love the outdoors and you can join them at one of Stockholm’s numerous nature reserves, such as Tyresta, Nyckelviken or Järvafältet. Stockholmers are proud to declare their city equal parts water, parks and culture, and with up to 19 hours of sunlight a day in the summer months, you’ll have plenty of time to pack it all in.

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Splendia Choice: Tanjung Rhu Resort Langkawi, Malaysia

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Tanjung Rhu Resort is a tropical eco-friendly oasis located on Langkawi – an archipelago consisting of 99 islands located off the northeastern coast of Malaysia. Also known as the ‘Legendary Isles’, they feature a coastline of beautiful beaches, rustic villages and fishing boats, not to mention an astonishing flora and fauna – eagles, lizards and monkeys are all daily apparitions.

Alongside 2.5km of solitary white sandy beaches, perfect for romantic walks or seeking shade under a palm tree with a good book, the resort is a place for tranquility, privacy and renewal. If you are of the adventurous kind, don’t despair; scuba dive and see the coral reefs, take a boat ride around the numerous islands, visit fish farms and bat caves or go wind surfing or sailing – the possibilites are endless. What’s more, one of the world’s oldest rainforests is at your doorstep if you feel the urge to explore further.  Continue reading →