Holiday Choices

The pros and cons of holiday cottages

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:31:18 GMT

The pros and cons of holiday cottages

There is no denying that renting a holiday cottage is a fabulous way to enjoy a holiday with your family and other loved ones. Holiday cottages have a lot of advantages and also a few disadvantages and it will be helpful to know about holiday cottages in greater detail to determine whether you should opt for a holiday cottage next time you plan your vacation.

Pros

As almost all holiday cottages are independent buildings, the accommodation will ensure a greater degree of freedom and privacy. There are holiday cottages galore and you can pick the one that suits your requirements best.

You can easily identify a cottage at a location you will feel comfortable. Holiday cottages are located in the heart of the town or close to sightseeing spots or near shopping centers or maybe in the countryside away from all maddening crowd.

Holiday cottages will invariably be quite commodious and you will have a lot of floor space comprising of living room, kitchen, a separate dining area, bedrooms, bath etc. The children will be excited as they will have ample space to play around. Since your holiday cottage is like your second home, you have the freedom to do whatever you want with your leisure hours.

Holiday cottages come in all different sizes - from a small place just to accommodate two people for a romantic break to up to even 20 people. There can be greater bonding with your family members as all of you will be together and sharing the same space. At a hotel, if your group has more than four persons, then you will be constrained to avail multiple rooms making coordination difficult.

Eating out regularly during the entire holiday period can be very costly. In a holiday cottage, you can cook your own food and that will mean heavy cost savings. The money saved can be better utilized to meet some additional holiday expenses.

Cons

Holiday cottages with a pool or deep water dock can pose safety problems for a family with young kids and toddlers. The absence of support staff in holiday cottages could be a real problem - more so, if you rent the property directly from the owner.

Some holiday cottages may not include linens and towels and in all such cases, you have to bring these items along. This could be inconvenient if you are traveling to your holiday destination by air.

You may be constrained to hire a car, if you are renting a cottage in peripheral areas as shopping and restaurants may not be in the vicinity. You may as well be frittering away in transportation charges the amount you save in the holiday cottage rentals.

Holiday cottage rentals seldom offer maid service or cleaning staff. You will also have to make your own travel arrangements, as there will be no front desk staff or concierge services.

Conclusion

The pros of staying in a holiday cottage rental instead of hiring hotel rooms are more floor space, increased freedom of movement, greater degree of privacy, kitchen facilities, cost savings etc. But renting a holiday cottage has its shortcomings and may not be the right choice for everyone. It is wise to examine the pros and cons of holiday cottages before finally deciding.

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Los Angeles Comfort Craze

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 03:54:48 GMT

L.A.'s comfort craze

Forget fancy monikers and complicated menus: Los Angeles restaurants are taking their names

from the down-home foods they serve. Here, our picks. By david a.keeps

Decked out like a 1970's diner,
The Waffle (6255

W. Sunset Blvd.; 1-323/465-

6901; breakfast for two

US$25) serves breakfast

past midnight. What to

order? Red-velvet waffles

with cream-cheese frosting

and a soul-food version

prepared with jalapeños

and fried chicken.

Slaw Dogs (720 N. Lake

Ave., Suite 8, Pasadena;

1- 626/808-9777; lunch

for two US$20) garnishes

11 types of brats and

sausages with more than

70 toppings, including

truffle oil and kimchi.

The minimalist

LEMONADE

at MOCA (250 S. Grand

Ave.; 1-213/628-0200;

drinks for two US$6) whips

up such flavors as peachginger,

blueberry-mint

and watermelonrosemary,

all for less

than US$3 a glass.

At Flake (513 Rose Ave.,

Venice; 1-310/396-2333;

breakfast for two US$15),

you'll find 25 types of

cereal, along with a

sprinkles bar full of fruits,

nuts and sweeteners like ......

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Shopping: A perfect Slumber!

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 02:11:33 GMT

A Perfect Slumber

Back from vacation and

missing those ultra-luxurious

hotel sheets? Now, you can

enjoy them at home: Sleep

Naked (sleepnaked.hk; shipping

around the world; from US$11),

whose linens have graced

upscale properties such as

London's Claridges and The

W Hotel in the Maldives, has

launched an online store

selling percale cotton fabrics

of 300 and 400 thread counts

spun from the finest yarns.

The collection ranges from

corded bedding sets to natural

goose-down duvets; there's

even a bespoke service

to boot.

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Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong Full Moon Treats!

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 03:55:12 GMT

This mid-autumn, hotel

patisseries across Asia

are jazzing up traditional

mooncakes with fresh new

flavors and ingredients. In

Singapore, the Goodwood

Park Hotel (65/6737-7411;

goodwoodparkhotel.com;

from S$11 per piece) draws

inspiration from tropical

fruits, with snowskin

mooncakes in flavors such as

almond beancurd with longan,

mango with pomelo, D24

durian paste and cempedak

paste. In Malaysia, the Hilton

Kuala Lumpur's (60-3/2264-

2515; kl-studio.com; from RM15

per piece) offers 36 bite-size

chocolate mooncake treats,

each shaped like a chess

piece and embellished with

a Chinese character; what's

more, it comes packed in an

elegant wooden Chinese

chess box. For the ultimate

indulgence, the two Michelin-

starred Shang Palace at the

Kowloon Shangri-La Hong

Kong (852/2733-8757;

shangri-la.com; from HK$188

per box) incorporates

gourmet ingredients like foie

gras, black truffles and bird's

nest. It's enough to send you

over the moon. -l iang x inyi

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Paris Picks

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 02:54:46 GMT

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Thailand Special

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:49:45 GMT

Gear up for the high season with these

exceptional getaway deals

• Green Escape package at Supanniga Home

in Khon Kaen (66-89/9444-880; supannigahome. com). What''s Included A two-night stay in a one-bedroom Banyan Villa or Lom Laeng Villa; and two breakfasts, two lunches and two candlelit dinners for two. Cost Bt12,000, through October 31. Savings 42 percent.

• Hot Deal package at De Lanna Boutique

Hotel in Chiang Mai (66-53/326-266; delan-nahotel.com). What''s Included Breakfast for two; free Wi-Fi; complimentary in-room coffee and tea; in-room DVD player with movie selection; access to swimming pool; and free round-trip airport transfers for stays of three nights or more. Cost From Bt2,200 per room per night, through October 31. Savings Up to 50 percent.

• 3 Days 2 Nights package at The Puka

Boutique Resort (66-84/5170-253; pukabou-tiqueresort.com) in Chiang Mai. What''s Included

A two-night stay in a Deluxe room; round-trip airport/train station/bus terminal transfers; daily breakfast for two; welcome fruit basket; a set dinner for two; free Wi-Fi Internet; no charge for one child under 10 years old; and late checkout until 4 p.m. Cost Bt4,500, through October 31. Savings Up to 60 percent.

• Ayurveda Spa package at Golden Tulip

Mangosteen Resort and Spa (66-76/289399; goldentulipmangosteen.com) in Phuket. What''s Included A two-night stay in a Superior

Garden room; buffet breakfast; daily fruit platter; a one-hour spa session for two; an airport transfer; free shuttle

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Fast Food, Italian-Style!

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 07:58:53 GMT

Imagine yourself sitting on the terrace of the

14th-century Palazzo Capponi delle Rovinate,

watching the sleepy crawl of the Arno as you

savor a plate of hand-cut french fries and a big,

juicy gourmet burger cooked to a pitch-perfect

medium rare. Welcome to Lungarno 23 (23

Lungarno Torrigiani; 39-055/234-5957; dinner for

two €54), Florence's newest must-hit café, where

there's nary a porcino or pappardella in sight.

Dedicated to the fine art of preparing Tuscanstyle

meat, the trattoria is run by the owners of

Tenuta La Fratta, just outside Sinalunga-one of

the last farms in Tuscany's Val di Chiana to

raise pure Chianina cattle. Order your choice of

an organic burger, a roast-beef sandwich or

tartare. Don't forget a glass of one of the reds on

offer from the likes of Biondi-Santi, Frescobaldi

and Antinori. -ma r i a shol l e n b a rge r

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Thailand - Eastern Paradise!

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:58:57 GMT

Thailand's eastern coast is dotted with lushly forested, largely unspoiled islands boasting
the sort of serenity and tranquility that can rarely be found elsewhere İn Asia

KO CHANG Ko Chang is Thailand's second-largest island and the primary destination for those visiting Ko Chang Marine National Park, which includes dozens of unspoiled islands. Located in Trat, about 300 kilometers east of Bangkok, Ko Chang is 70 percent covered by unspoiled rain forest.

Now serviced by an airport just 15 minutes from the ferry terminal in Trat province, Ko Chang is more easily accessible than ever before. Drawn to Ko Chang's pristine beaches and sparkling waters, travelers have started flocking to the island, and numerous luxury spas and resorts have sprung up to cater to them.

Nonetheless, the island is still a dream destination for budget travelers and families, and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including native birds, snakes, deer, and a number of elephants. As for activities, Ko Chang and the nearby islands that make up the national park are great for snorkeling, diving, camping, and jungle hiking.

KO KOOD Far quieter and less developed than neighboring Ko Chang, Ko Kood is covered almost entirely with native forest or coconut and rubber plantations, and boasts a number of pristine beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters.
Being so unspoiled, simply relaxing and enjoying the leisurely local lifestyle are the mainstay activities on this island. Snorkeling and exploring the island's beaches and forests, as well as boat trips to nearby islands, are also popular.

As for accommodation, there are plenty luxury choices, although remote but accessible aptly describes the Thai island of Kood-it is set amid lush tropical rainforest, off the southeast coast of the Gulf of Thailand. International guests are personally met on arrival at Suvarnabhumi airport and transferred to their resort's own airplane for the one-hour flight to the airfield. From the air, the beauty of untouched Thailand and Ko Kood, with its white sandy beaches, is immediately evident.

KO MAK This is a large island to the south of Ko Chang that is blessed with several picture-perfect bays and beaches, and glittering coral reefs in perfect condition. A natural, tropical island, Ko Mak, Thailand's preserved "treasure," is an ideal destination for visitors who enjoy a tranquil environment unspoiled by mass tourism.

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Stay and Play in Bangkok

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:51:24 GMT

STAY & PLAY

Check into the Shanghai Mansion

(479-481 Yaowarat Rd.; 66-2/221-2121; shanqhaimansion.com), a 120-year-old building decked out with rich silk wallpapers, hanging umbrellas in all the hues of the rainbow and rooms decorated with furniture in the style of long-vanished Chinese dynasties.

S15 (217 Sukhumvit Soi 15; 66-2/651-2000; s15hotel.com) has all the amenities of a big hotel, but in a smaller package. Its modern, chocolate-toned lobby feels like home, and a rejuvenating oil massage at the spa will erase any physical memories of Bangkok's uneven sidewalks.

When you stay at the Dusit Thani (946 Rama IV Rd.; 66-2/200-9999; dusit.com), you will understand why it's remained at the top of the pack since it was built in 1970. Although its original tallest-building-irrThailand crown has been passed on, its facilities, like the award-winning Devarana Spa, have remained a sublime escape.

For the ultimate pampering excursion, head to the Four Seasons (155 Rajadamri Rd.; 66-2/126-8866; fourseasons.com/ bangkok), one of Bangkok's most prominent high-end hotels and about as close to Bangkok's beating heart as you can get. Don't miss the 90-minute poolside massage by the hotel's Spa by MSpa.

Voted as one of the world's best hotels by T+L readers, the spectacular Peninsula Bangkok (333 Charoennakorn Rd.; 66-

Smack in the middle of some of Bangkok's most desired real estate sits the newly opened Siam Kempinski {991/9 Rama 1 Rd.; 66-2/162-9000; kempinski.com), a monument to fine living when you're away from home. Opening deals such as a third night free make it hard to say no.

2/861-2888; peninsula.com) shoots straight up from the mighty Chao Phraya River like a giant luxury monolith. The gorgeous gardens, breezy riverside restaurant and comfortable sofas are perfect for an afternoon of sipping wine and observing the bustling pace of life on the water.

If you're coming to town for more than just a fun vacation, set yourself up in style at The Ascott Sathorn (187 South Sathorn Rd.; 66-2/676-6868). Be it a short-term studio apartment or a long-term serviced suite, you can find what you're looking for, from limo pickups to laundry service to in-room kitchens.

The Centara Grand at Central World

(999/99 Rama 1 Rd.; 66-2/100-1234; centarahotelsresorts.com) stands tall and proud above Bangkok's busiest shopping and eating areas, and offers elegant rooms, superb restaurants and top-flight drinking establishments. We dare you to take in the view from rooftop bar Red Sky and not feel like Hollywood royalty.

Sheathed in glass and giving off a unigue blend of rock'n'roll attitude and ^ boutigue charm, Dream Bangkok (70 Sukhumvit Soi 15.; 66-ik

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Food and Drink in Bangkok

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 04:10:34 GMT

{175 meters up from Sukhumvit Rd.; near Nana Skytrain station) for a tightly packed beef or chicken shwarma. An added plus: the corner is great for people watching among the city's colorful Middle Eastern and African communities.

Right where the west-bound Khlong San Saeb canal boat stops at the central Pratunam pier, you'll find some of the best boat noodles in town (daytime only, closed Sundays). The busy stall rolls out the thin noodles in rich, darkly spiced broth almost nonstop to serve the steady stream of boat passengers and shoppers on their way to the local markets.

Inspired and trained by Michelin-starred chefs, owners Bo and Dylan opened the handsomely decorated Bo.lan (42 Soi Pichai Ronnarong, Sukhumvit Soi 26; 66-2/260-2962; botan.co.th) to showcase the absolute best that Thai food has to offer, such as the subtle but powerful stir-fried squid with palm heart, or the gaeng kii fek, curry with tender braised beef.

Sukhumvit Soi 38 (next to Thonglor Skytrain station) is a street-food stalwart, a hamlet of stalls and open-air restaurants that shouldn't be missed. Almost every kind of Thai food is served here and young and old alike often come from across the city for their favorite dish, such as the khao na pet, fried rice with duck, or the unbeatable khao niaw mamuang, mango with sticky rice and sweet coconut sauce.

The first rule of street food: go where the locals go and eat what they do. In front of Chinatown Cinema in Yaowarat, sidle up to the crowds waiting around the Kway Jup Auan Pochana food cart and tuck into the restaurant's specialty, the mouthwatering kway jup (rolled noodles in pepper soup with pork).

Venture down a sleepy soi and you'll find Cafe Ice (44/2 Pipat Soi 2, Sathorn Soi 8; 66-2/636-7373) in a three-storey Chinese shop house. Sample Thai and international dishes like the giant Caesar salad, which is assembled at your table, all served in an artful interior.

Excellent Italian eateries abound in this cosmopolitan city: try Biq Mama Pizzeria 039 Soi 1, Asoke Rd.; 66-2/259-0232), a cozy joint with a wood-burning oven, a decent wine selection and huge portions. Don't miss the succulent beef ravioli, each as big a child's fist.

Ignore the art on the walls-it's caked with grease and dust-and focus on the food at Roti Mataba (136 Phra Athit Rd.; 66-2/282-2119). The servings are small but intensely flavorful so be safe and order two of everything. Tuck into the dense masaman chicken curry, or savor the gaeng kiaw waan gai, a common but delicious coconut chicken curry.

Forgo dainty eating and pull up a stool at the nameless stand on Sukhumvit Soi 3

Mingle with connoisseurs at Opera Riserva Wine Bar (53

Sukhumvil Soi 39; 66-2/258-5606; operariserva.cotri), founded by wine lovers. Look out lor their Italian cheese buffet, held on the first of every month.

Head to the newest addition to Bangkok's high-end culinary scene, Nahm, at the Metropolitan Hotel (27 South Sathorn Rd.; 66-2/625-3333). Following in the steps of his Michelin-starred restaurant in London, David Thompson and staff work their magic to make sure that every dish is an edible work of art.

Finely mixed cocktails are the thing at Face Bar (29 Sukhumvit Soi 38; 66-2/713-6048; facebars.com), an elegant wooden compound design

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Shop and Do in Bangkok

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 02:56:01 GMT

SHOP & DO

There are certain markets you have to hit (see Chatuchak) and then there are the smaller ones you should visit. Deviate from the usual tourist circuit and try the Saphan Phut, orMemorial Bridge night market (underneath Saphan Phut Bridge; 7 p.m . to midnight) an unbelievable spread of fashion items, jewelry and general curios. Also check out the neighboring Pak Klonq Talad flower market tor the biggest and cheapest haul of fresh flowers you''''ve ever seen.

The mother of all Bangkok markets and one of the biggest in Southeast Asia, Chatuchak Weekend Market (Mo Chit Skytrain station or Chatuchak MRT station; 9 a.m.-6 p.m.), spans 14 hectares and has everything from used cowboy boots to great street food live animals to fine art. There are no socio-economic barriers here, just good shopping. If it isn''''t here, you probably won''''t find it in Thailand.

Hip teenagers, fashionistas and bargain hunters in the know head to Wang Lanq Market (Wang Lang, near Siriraj Pier; open daily) for bargains on retro clothes, jewelry, shoes, trinkets and knick-knacks of every ilk, plus a healthy helping of vintage gear. Bonus: the huge amount of food stalls and snack opportunities keep you busy while browsing.

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65 Bangkok Must-Do-s

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:32:35 GMT

Get a concentrated dose of Bangkok's

10-million-odd residents by heading to the

Old City's Amulet Market (Maharat Rd.,

near Wat Mahat hat), where you'll find the

capital's best people watching, and dive

into the commotion of shops and street

stalls selling amulets, talismans, charms

and even the odd set of false teeth.

If Bangkok's pace is a bit too manic for

24/7 immersion, leave the city without

leaving the city at Phra Pradaeng, a lush

expanse of raised pathways, parks and

mango swamps on the east side of the

Chao Phraya River. Rent a bike, have a

picnic or simply take a walk under the

near-silent jungle canopy for a mind

clearing escape from Bangkok's noisy

streets. Keep an eye out for Varanus

salvator, the monitor lizard, which

scurries away when you get too close.

View the colorful interactive exhibits and

multimedia displays at the modern Nitas

Rattanakosin museum (100 Ratchdam

noen Klang Rd.; 66-2/621-0044; admission

BtlOO for adults, Bt30 for children) for

a cutting-edge glimpse into Thailand's

Rattanakosin era (1782-1932), a period

during which Thailand's modern identity

was conceived, forged and realized.

Join the faithful amid dense joss smoke

and fragrant wafts of garlands and scented

oils to make offerings at the Erawan

Shrine (494 Rajdamri Rd.), one of Bang

kok's most popular attractions with locals

and visitors alike. Even if you're unable to

catch a bit of its legendary luck, the

traditional Thai dancers are pretty funky.

SHOP & DO

There are certain markets you have to hit

(see Chatuchak) and then there are the

smaller ones you should visit. Deviate from

the usual tourist circuit and try the

Saphan Phut, or Memorial Bridge night

market (underneath Saphan Phut Bridge;

7P.M. to midnight) an unbelievable spread

of fashion items, jewelry and general

curios. Also check out the neighboring

Pak Klong Talad flower market for the

biggest and cheapest haul of fresh

flowers you've ever seen.

The mother of all Bangkok markets and

one of the biggest in Southeast Asia,

Chatuchak Weekend Market (Mo Chit

Skyt rain station or Chatuchak MRT station;

9 A.M.-6 P.M.), spans 14 hectares and has

everything from used cowboy boots to

great street food live animals to fine art.

There are no socio-economic barriers here,

just good shopping. If it isn't here, you

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