Sri Lanka-Paradise with a smile

Sri Lanka – “paradise with a smile” is the strap line here at Worldwide Holidays for Sri Lanka – well it is certainly one of the friendless countries I have ever visited. Everyone is so welcoming and seem genuinely pleased that you are taking the time to visit their country.

On my recent trip, which was my first to Sri Lanka. I travelled around most of the country so I was able to experience the culture and the variety of landscapes that Sri Lanka has to offer, including beautiful golden beaches, waterfalls and lush green tea plantations.

My trip began with a night at The Beach hotel in Negombo the only 5* star in this area, perfect after a long flight. All the beautiful rooms open up onto a private balcony or terrace and the large open baths are very inviting. From here I then visited the Pinnawella elephant orphanage which is one of only 3 in the world. A lovely experience, including helping bathe the elephants during their daily bathe in the local river. Continued on to the cultural triangle area and visiting all the main culture sights including the remarkable Sigiriya Rock fortress constructed by King Kashayapa. I took my guides advice and climbed Sigiriya before breakfast at about 7am and I was the only person around for at least half hour, it was incredible.

Revolutionary Cuba…..

Everybody’s image of Cuba is different, but one thing everyone does seem to agree on is to travel to this wonderful Caribbean island sooner rather than later before it changes beyond all recognition. This year, 2009, marks the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution and the images of Che Guevara, Castro and Jose Marti are in abundance as you travel throughout the country.

New Luxury Eco-Lodge opens in Madagascar

Eden Lodge embodies a new concept for luxury accommodation in Madagascar. The real luxury of Eden Lodge is simply being there, residing in comfort whilst immersed in the diverse and untouched lush natural habitat of Madagascar.

Eden Lodge is equipped with solar power, which provides 90% of its energy needs. Only half an hour from the island of Nosy Be, in the North West of Madagascar, the view as you arrive by boat is breathtaking: a beach of pure white sands, bordered by lush virgin forest and dotted with majestic baobab trees, hundreds of years old.

With no roads, no cars and only a tiny Madagascan village in proximity, you’re immediately plunged into the middle of an Eden of relaxation.

Each Lodge offers spacious accommodation where you can relax in complete privacy. Local materials have been used in the construction of the lodges, and the innovative architecture of these beachfront lodges allows air to circulate freely, thanks to a ravinala roof and a tent canopy that with large openings protected by mosquito nets. A spectacular bathroom opens out onto a terrace where residents can enjoy massage and other beauty treatments (each lodge is equipped with a massage table in the privacy of the garden).