A Little Slice Of Australian Life: Gold Coast Tamborine Mountain - Australia

 Tamborine Mountain is about 20 kilometers inland from Bruce Highway and takes you on a route through breathtaking farming and gourmet food producing fields. Then, prior to your steep climb you will discover heritage towns and numerous National Parks.

The Tamborine-Oxenford road, when starting at Oxenford, takes you past Thomas Estate Wines, which is a winery with a small museum and restaurant. Then travel a little further and you come across the Nut Shed. This is a Macadamia Farm that sells a large variety of Macadamia and other nut based products. After a steep climb you will arrive at the Mount Tamborine area. It sits on a 600 metre high plateau in the northern spur of the McPherson Range. Queenslands first National Park can be found in this area, Witches Fall which has been there since 1908. However, due to the only tiny patches remain from the original forest and are split into nine smaller parks. The areas, in between the parks, are filled with heritage communities of Mount Tamborine, North Tamborine and Eagle Heights.

These areas were established in the late 19th century and are now home to arts and craft shops, bed and breakfasts, wineries and Devonshire Tea houses. This area is very touristy and people often come by busloads. Southwest of North Tamborine and Cedar Creek Falls is Witches Falls National Park, possibly the best spot on the mountain. In the town of North Tamborine is a visitors centre which as a variety of brochures on areas to visit and information on the ecology areas. You will also find brochures on the many wineries scattered throughout the mountain, which can make for a very fun day of wine tasting.

There is also the fabulous Tamborine Mountain Distillery, a boutique distiller which manufactures its own schnapps, liqueur and other spirits from organically grown fruit. Nearby is St. Bernards Hotel, a great place for meals, drink and relaxing. It is a rustic mountain pub with a large deck with a panoramic view of the gorge. There are many (http://www.goldcoastinformation.com.au/accommodation/gold-coast/surfers-paradise-accommodation.html) surfers paradise accommodation for you choose from for your upcoming vacation. To findgold coast hotels that are suitable for your stay and other informations, you can log onto http://www.goldcoastinformation.com.au/, or the options under:

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Starry Nights In Granbury, Texas

Granbury is a distinctive city packed with charm, entertainment and energy. Guests enjoy the backdrop of the Texas outdoors along with the activities it offers. Only a short drive from Dallas and Fort Worth, this natural setting offers fishing, hiking and bird watching just to refer to a few outdoor activities. Lake Granbury was created in 1969 by the DeCordova Bend Dam. This 30 mile long lake has 103 miles of shoreline. The lake holds weight records for channel catfish, hybrid striped bass and large and small mouth bass. There are boat docks, a boat launch, and fishing pier at the resort with paddle boats available for use (Seasonal). Local marinas offer boat rentals and charter fishing. Canoeing or tubing down the Brazos River is also a popular sport. Vacation rentals in Granbury range from small cabins to villas. The  Lake Granbury Inn is a luxurious bed and breakfast situated directly on the lake and within walking distance to the historic business district of Granbury, Texas.

 Featuring roughly two acres of landscaped gardens, a flagstone pool with waterfall, scenic lakefront views and wonderful furnishings, this bed and breakfast will spoil you with extras. Each room is beautiful and the service is top notch. For further information concerning this Texas bed and breakfast vacation rental, visit their site at www.innonlakegranbury.com. The Arbor House Bed and Breakfast is another suggested way to lodge in luxury in Granbury. This romantic cottage has quite a few decadent rooms. The hosts of the bed and breakfast present such services as a birthday or anniversary cake for two, in room massages, roses delivered to your room, chocolate covered strawberries, and more. For additional information concerning this incredibly distinctive vacation rental, visit their web site at www.granbury-bed-and-breakfast.com . For added ambiance, book a horse and carriage ride through downtown Granbury. Brazos Carriage will lead you on a tour of the city and even offers several extra special activities such as a Proposal Package. Lake Granbury is fed by the Brazos River and has great fishing options.

The lake includes Largemouth bass, Striped bass, White bass, Channel and Flathead catfish, White Crappie and Sunfish. There are boat rentals and fishing excursions that can be scheduled through your vacation rental or from many of the surrounding piers and docks. Old Granbury Town Square is a lovely way to spend the afternoon. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, the Square is described by the Department of the Interior as "one of the most complete examples of a late 19th century courthouse square in Texas." The restoration of the Hood County Courthouse, built in 1891, sparked the interest in restoring Granbury square. The restored buildings contain fine antique shops, gift shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. Granbury, Texas is a marvelous holiday destination found only a small distance southwest of Fort Worth. There are many distinctive historical sites to go to see, great outdoor lake and river activities, delicious restaurants, romantic bed and breakfasts and much more. James Harden is part of the travel team at FindVacationRentals.com and FindBedandBreakfast.com. A directory specializing in Texas cabin rentals. The directory can provide you with a complete comprehensive list of romantic bed and breakfast getaways throughout Texas.

	Days Inn Granbury The Days Inn Lake Granbury is located within eight miles of the Confederate Air Force Museum and Granbury Queen Boatride and approximately 62 miles from Starting at US $47 Per Night >> Click For Details & Pictures
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South Beach Resort & Vacation Club - Christ Church City (Barbados)

Many Caribbean islands have beaches, but where Barbados differs is what lies behind the surf and sand. No matter your budget or style, you can find a place to stay that suits you, whether cheap, funky, restful or posh. All the comforts of home are close at hand if you want them as Barbados is one of the most developed islands in the region. The literacy rate approaches 98% and the capital Bridgetown and its surrounds are booming.

Away from the luxury resorts of the west coast and the well-developed south coast, however, is where you’ll find what makes the island special. Central Barbados has a rolling terrain of limestone hills and amid this lush scenery are fascinating survivors of the colonial past. Vast plantation homes show the wealth of these settlers and face up to the brutality of the slave trade. Museums document this engrossing history while several botanic gardens exploit the beauty possible from the perfect growing conditions.

The wild Atlantic-battered east coast is a legend with surfers; those looking for action will find wind-surfing, hiking, diving and more. Barbados is a great package, and despite its popularity, you’ll have no trouble making it your own. Away from the glitz, it’s still a place of classic calypso rhythms, an island-time vibe and world-famous rums.

Half a million people can’t be wrong. That’s the number of visitors Barbados attracts annually, and it doesn’t take long before you see why they come by the planeload: the coasts are ringed by the kinds of azure-water and white-sand visions that fuel the fantasies of Brits, Americans and Canadians stuck shivering away in some snowy winter clime.

Directly opposite the white sands of Rockley Beach, the South Beach Resort and Vacation Club is located on the southern end of Barbados in Christ Church. From lush valleys to azure blue water, Barbados boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Caribbean. Approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) from Grantley Adams International Airport, the resort is within proximity of several restaurants and right next door to a shopping center. More restaurants and great nightlife exist in at St. Lawrence gap, just five minutes away, and in Bridgetown, ten minutes away.

Hotel Features. Opened in 2002, the resort features a terrace overlooking the street with an expansive sundeck and a three-section rectangular pool with a children's area. A poolside bar serves tropical drinks and cuisine such as curried chicken roti, skewered flying fish with green-apple salsa and smoked mahi mahi. The Fusion Restaurant will open in July 2008, featuring southeast Asian cuisine. Guests are treated to a complimentary cocktail upon arrival and every Tuesday evening. Concierge and business services are offered, as is currency exchange and dry cleaning. Wireless Internet access is available in public areas for a fee. Complimentary laundry facilities are located on each floor.

Guestrooms. Several different accommodations exist, from studios to two-bedroom suites. Each unit features a balcony or terrace and a kitchen. VCRs and television offering United States cable channels supply entertainment, and Internet access is available.

Expert Tip. Visitors can explore the wonders of the deep via an Atlantic Submarines excursion. Tropical fish, plants and an upright shipwreck are some of the highlights of the tour which begins in Bridgetown. Go To South Beach Resort Search

Holiday Inn - Macau

The Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) is a part of China’s territory. It is located on the Southeast coast of China to the west of the Pearl River Delta. Bordering on Guangdong Province, it locates 60km from Hong Kong and 145km from the city of Guangzhou. Local time is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Due to land reclamation along its coastline, Macao has grown in land area from 10.28km2 in the 19th century to 29.2 km2 today, which is equal to one-fortieth of Hong Kong and one twenty-third of Singapore. Macao consists of the Macao peninsula and the two islands of Taipa and Coloane. Three bridges, Nobre de Carvalho Bridge, Friendship Bridge (Ponte da Amizade) and Sai Van Bridge, link the peninsula to Taipa, while the two islands are linked by the six-lane 2.2km Taipa-Coloane Causeway.

The population of Macau is estimated to be 542,200 . Population density is 18569/km2, and the northern part of the peninsula is one of the most densely populated areas in the world.

Chinese and Portuguese are the official languages of Macao, and more than 95% of the population speak Chinese. Portuguese is spoken by about 0.6% and the remainder speak English, Filipino or other languages.

According to the results of the by-census 2006, more than 78% of Macao’s population have been living in the territory for more than 10 years. Meanwhile, 42.5% of the population were born in Macao and 47.1% were born in the Mainland, while 10.4% of residents are from other regions.

Macao’s climate is warm and humid with a fairly wide variation in temperature over the year. From June to September, the temperature can rise to over 30ºC while it can drop to less than 10ºC from November to February. The average temperature seldom falls below 14ºC. Macao’s weather is also influenced by tropical cyclones from the South China Sea and North Western Pacific Ocean during the typhoon season between May and September.

Holiday Inn Macau is the only international four-star hotel in the new business district of Macau. The hotel is centrally located in the prime and convenient location, provides its guests with utmost convenience. Holiday Inn Macau is close to both the Macau-Hong Kong Ferry Terminal and the city centre, and the hotel is accessible by public transportation to most of the business and leisure facilities within the city of Macau. Apart from its prime location, the hotel®s guest rooms, unique restaurants and bar, fitness and spa facilities are designed to meet the needs of both business and leisure travellers.

Amenities:

High speed internet access

Indoor Pool Restaurant

Valet Parking

Television with Cable

Hairdryers Available

Exercise Gym

Business Center

More About Holiday Inn and Macau

Praslin: Paradise Sun Hotel - Seychelles

You’re planning a trip to the Seychelles? Lucky you! Mother Nature was very generous with these 115 islands scattered in the Indian Ocean and has spoiled them rotten. Undeniably, the beaches are the big attraction, and what beaches: exquisite ribbons of white sand lapped by topaz waters and backed by lush hills and big glacis boulders. And nary a crowd in sight.With such a dreamlike setting, the Seychelles is, unsurprisingly, a choice place for a honeymoon. But there’s much more to do than simply cracking open a bottle of champagne with the loved one in a luxurious hotel. Having earned a reputation as a paradigm of ecotourism, the Seychelles is a top spot to watch birds and giant tortoises in their natural habitat. And a vast living world lies just below the turquoise waters, beckoning divers of all levels. When you tire of beaches you can venture inland on jungle trails, indulge in fine dining or enjoy the sublime laid-back tempo.

And time has come to spread the word: yes, this paradise is accessible to us all. On top of ultra-luxurious options, the Seychelles has plenty of quaint, affordable self-catering facilities and guesthouses, often situated on some of the best land. Though it remains an expensive destination, its tourist authorities are now targeting non-millionaires, promoting these economy options. But fear not: mass tourism it will never be.

Seduced? Push open your travel agent’s door and book your ticket to paradise!

The Paradise Sun Hotel is located on Praslin Island, Seychelles, six kilometres from the Vallee de Mai national park and the Anse Lazio Beach. The Casino Des Iles is located one kilometre away from the hotel.

Hotel Features. The hotel includes an onsite swimming pool and offers beach volleyball, nightly entertainment every weekday, and a dive centre (surcharge). Wireless Internet is offered in the property's public areas and concierge services are available from the front desk.

Paradise Sun Hotel offers a breakfast buffet each morning and an a la carte dinner in the Main Restaurant. A buffet dinner and an a la carte lunch are served in the Beach Restaurant and the hotel offers half-board rates.

Guestrooms. The 79 guestrooms are all air conditioned and include balconies and wireless Internet access. They also come with televisions, direct-dial phones, and safes. Further amenities include minibars and coffee and tea facilities. The private bathrooms include hair dryers. Half-board rates are available.

Facilities

Breakfast included, Swimming pool, Restaurant, Laundry facilities,Security facilities,Continental breakfast, Babysitting or child care, Concierge service, Currency Exchange, Internet Access - Wireless Suitable for children, Supervised child care/activities, Television in lobby, Wedding services, 24-hour front desk, Massage, treatment room(s), Number of floors: 2, Number of rooms: 79, Tour assistance.

For more go to: Download Lonely Planet information by the chapter you need!

Kamalaya Koh Samui

Koh Samui, also known as 'the island of the coconuts,' is the third largest Thai island, after Phuket and Koh Chang. With jungle covered hills and palm fringed bays, Koh Samui is 22 km at its widest point and 13 km in length, located 700 south of Bangkok. Neighboring islands include Koh Tao, (one of the top diving islands in Asia), Koh Phangan, Angthong National Marine Park, Koh Tan and beautiful Koh Nang Yuan.

A favorite holiday destination for travelers worldwide, Koh Samui offers diving, golf, waterfalls, trekking, beautiful beaches, health retreats, exotic spas and fine dining. A day trip around the island introduces you to small villages, Thai and Chinese temples, old Chinese heritage architecture, lush coconut groves and idyliic seaside restaurants all around the island. Well known beaches are Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, Big Buddha, Choeng Mon, Hua Thanon and Maenam.

Before the 70's when backpackers discovered Koh Samui, it was a tranquil home to mainly coconut farmers and fishermen. Since then the island development has been steady, and this up-market paradise is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in Thailand, and the spa capital of the region.

Koh Samui can be reached by frequent flights from Bangkok, Phuket, Singapore and direct Samui/Hong Kong, Samui/Kuala Lumpur flights.

	Kamalaya Koh Samui Kamalaya is a haven; a place for us to slow down and feel safe enough to let go of old habits, drop our armour and begin to listen once again to our heart’s song, and to realise the depth of inspiration and wisdom all around. Starting at 6,500 Baht (Thailand) Per Night >> Click For Details & Pictures
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