Thursday, September 17, 2009

Historic Hotels in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka holidays are ideal for encompassing historical sightseeing with luxury 5 star accommodation. They are perfect mix for an interesting and luxurious holiday � and the city of Galle is the ideal base for such a holiday. Situated on the coast, it not only offers glorious beaches but hosts some excellent historical sites.

Whilst in Galle on a Sri Lanka holiday, you can experience walking the streets of this fortified city as you admire the architecture that reflects both European and Asian traditions. The feature that makes this city such a delight for history fanatics is the fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and claims the title of being the largest standing Asian fort built by Europeans. There are other sites making for excellent historic sightseeing opportunities too, such as the Jesuit built St Mary�s Cathedral and the Amangall, one of the central Shiva temples.

As far as hotels are concerned, Galle offers two hotels that are unique as well as an integral part of its history.

The Lighthouse Hotel

For budding architects, interested in past glory, the Dutch colonial style of the Lighthouse Hotel will be of particular interest. To add to the historic Dutch feel of the area, there is also a Dutch fortress about a mile away.

This beautiful hotel has some spectacular views. Positioned on a dramatic section of the peninsula, it overlooks the Indian Ocean and coastline. Ideal forSri Lanka holidays, The Lighthouse is also situated in between two beautiful beaches

The hotel grounds are also a treat for guests. Designed for relaxation, you can spend lazy days beside one of the two large swimming pools and, as the afternoon sun starts to drop, you can simply hop over to the Anchor Bar and Grill, alongside the pools. Sumptuous sundowners await you here to wrap up a relaxing day on your Sri Lanka holiday.

The hotel is also perfect for romantic evenings. The Cinnamon Room for Fine Dining offers delicious romantic meals and the magical setting, together with stunning sunsets, completes the picture for superb dining onholiday in Sri Lanka. Another option, which might tickle the fancy of couples is the spa, which offers massage and Jacuzzi options for two.

The Amangalla

The history of this hotel is undeniably fascinating, with its buildings dating back to the 1600s. The Amangalla is actually situated within the walls of the Galle Fort, giving it prime position for discovering this part of Galle�s history whilst on aSri Lanka holiday. Even the rooms tell a tale, with each room being individually decorated with antique furnishings.

While a guest at The Amangalla, you can also indulge in ancient Ayurvedic traditions. The Baths offer a range of ancient therapies that will relax, refresh and rejuvenate your mind and body.

The hotel is the perfect combination of luxury and history, making it an ideal choice for a holiday in Sri Lanka where you can learn the tales of a land gone by, while enjoying the comfort of your wonderful accommodation.
Ricky Coates is a Sri Lanka holiday specialist for key2holidays, an online tour operator offering Sri Lanka holidays (http://www.key2holidays.co.uk/srilanka/) as well as holidays to other destinations in the Indian Ocean; the Far East, Cuba and the Caribbean, Egypt, Southern Africa, Italy & the Medi

Friday, September 11, 2009

Coach Hire Holiday to Paradise

The last holiday I took was a big success with a capital B. Forget Heathrow and the M25, think Somerset, cream tea and fresh air. My Beautiful coach holiday started on Sunday morning at the beginning of the Easter break. It started well, the pickup was right on time and local to where I live with my partner in Lewis. The coach driver opened the coach door and smiled a welcoming smile. He introduced himself �Nigel�, and then unhurriedly took out luggage and stowed it in the boot. As it happens we were the last pickup and so it was off onto the motorway.

The Coach was smart and airy, the seats comfortable and adaptable, which was a great relief for my partner �Jon� with his back. He was also glad of the extra leg room we�d requested on booking the seats. So that was the start of a very enjoyable day. Usually when it comes to traveling we are both stressed and bickering by mid morning. As we had nothing to do but relax and look at the view, that is exactly what we did. It made a refreshing change for both of us �letthe coach take the strain�, to miss quote a well worn expression. The coach was filled to capacity and felt roomy and spacious. Our seats had places to put our drinks and snacks. We were able to control our own air conditioning controls. Very useful when the sun was shining on Jon and I was in the shade (we were taking turns sitting in the window seat.

Nigel had done his homework and we had no hold ups on route, we had a coffee break at the Reading services and were quickly on our way. We got to the first hotel in Cheddar by tea time. The hotel we were staying had been two substantial cottages which had at sometime in their history, been combined into one. It was so beautiful, well kept and intelligently modified to make it comfortable without loosing that feeling of history. Full of energy and a gorgeouscream tea we coach travelers all took our own routes for the evening. Jon and I choose to walk to the Gorge which was only a moderate walk away. The shadows slowly lengthened and a feeling of peace and well being wrapped itself around us like a blanket. We strolled, arm in arm back to our small hotel feeling a gorgeous feeling of optimism.

Our holiday continued on in this vain for the whole idyllic week. We had had the choice on booking to coach holiday to do some day trips. We did do two, one to the moors and one to Minehead. The moors are like no where else in England, you could be in any century. There�s no sound, apart from the wind and your breath when you�re struggling up a gradient. The hotel had provided a local guide together with an enormous, tasty picnic. Both were much appreciated.

The Minehead day trip by coach was a great laugh. We had been able to time our trip to coincide with the Wassail, a ceremony that the locals perform every May Day. It�s an ancient ceremony performed to ensure good crops and the reenactment was done with great aplomb by the participants.
The coach journey home was as expected, pleasant and with no drama. The restful feeling was kept until the last. We couldn�t thank Nigel more. He was calm, professional and an excellent
For excellant driving and coaches use http://www.galleontravel.co.uk/ Galleon Travel