world best travel places

Sunday, December 4, 2011

10 Best Casino Hotels for Vacation in the World

At some point, we all want to see if Lady Luck is on our side, and there’s no better place to roll the dice than at a fantastic casino resort or hotel. The great news is that the chips are never down when you take a casino vacation, because these resorts offer more than just gambling. Where else can you find a range of upscale perks including fantastic accommodations, superb dining establishments, sun, surf, sand, snow or spas, world-class entertainment and shopping all in one place?
So don’t leave your vacation to chance. You’ll find the odds are definitely in your favor at any one of these places. So here are some of the best Casino Hotels around the world.
Atlantic City Trump Taj Mahal
Sink into the grandeur of this casino with its Austrian crystal chandelier and guest rooms with views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. One of the largest casinos in the world with over 4.2 million square feet of enclosed space, every opportunity to double your money is here. Relax after a day of gaming in the full service spa including indoor tanning, Jacuzzis, steam bath, sauna and an indoor pool.
Detroit MGM Grand Detroit
Welcome to the Las Vegas of the Midwest. The $800 million MGM Grand Detroit Resort and Casino is modern, sleek and sophisticated, and pulls in the crowds on a regular basis. The casino boasts over 90 table games, 4,000 of the latest slot machines and video poker. This may be the younger sister of the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, but its gaming space is in fact larger.
Las Vegas MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
Think big, play big, win big. There’s nothing small about this hotel
and casino, but then that’s not surprising. It has a waterfalls that cover 6.6 acres. The casino itself is 171,500 square feet and is divided into four separate gaming areas. Every game you could possibly want to try your hand at is here
Shreveport Eldorado Resort Casino
If you’re going to Louisiana to chance your luck, your best bet is the 403-suite Eldorado Resort Casino, the most exclusive hotel in Shreveport. Drag yourself away from your luxuryroom and head over to the casino, which boasts over 1500 slot machines. The casino is also attached to a three-story atrium-style entertainment pavilion.
Queensland Conrad Jupiter’s, Australia
Situated on a tropical island on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Conrad Jupiter’s is one of Australia’s largest hotels. Jupiter’s’ motto is “Bet with your head, not over it.” Once you’re all played out, be sure to take advantage of the hotel’s five restaurants, landscaped pool, and state-of-the-art fitness center and tennis courts.
Macau, The Venetian Macao, China
Jet off to The Venetian Macao which is large enough to hold 90 747 jumbo jets and has 3,000 suites, each a minimum of 750 square feet. Once you’ve managed to drag yourself away from your canopy bed, sunken living room and deluxe marble bathroom, head down to the casino which is largest in the world where over 550,000 square feet of gaming await you.
Monte Carlo Hotel de Paris, Monaco
Situated on the Golden Square of Place du Casino, the Hotel de Paris is the most luxurious place to stay in Monaco. Offering up to 106 rooms, 74 suites and two executive suites, this is opulence at its most decadent. There are five separate casinos in the Place du Casino, with the largest being the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo.
Lima Delfines Hotel & Casino, Peru
Delfines Hotel & Casino is open 24/7 and boasts 214 machines and eighteen table games. Los Delfines sponsors the non-profit organization CILDE, and proudly hosts two dolphins and to top off your stay here, The Lima Golf Club, the largest golfing greens in the city—is just across the street.
San Juan The Ritz-Carlton, Puerto Rico
The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa & Casino allows you enjoy with its 416-room hotel located on eight acres of beachfront property. The true highlight of this hotel is its casinowhich is open 24 hours.
Costa del Sol, Hotel Casino Torrequebradam, Spain
Set on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in the heart of Costa del Sol, offers everything from a grand spa and conference room to on-site entertainment and superb gaming. Casino is equipped with the widest array of leisure activities in Spain.


Aristocratic City of Vienna


Located in Vienna Schönbrunn Palace (German: Schloss Schönbrunn) is the official residence of the Habsburgs. The representatives of the dynasty ruled the Austrian and Holy Roman Empire, Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Transylvania, Tuscany and some other states. In total, one of the most powerful ruling houses of Europe stayed at the throne for more than 650 years.

10 Most Famous Celebrity Cities around the World


Celebrities are scattered all around the world, while some may require the glitz and pizzazz of the large centers, others shy away from the hype in search of tranquility. As fans, we sometimes have encounters with them and see that some are rather down to earth, while others are quite deserving of their reputations.
So here I have compiled a list of cities where you will see your share of stars. So while touring the cities I mentioned below do take a camera and your autograph book with yourself. They might get handy.
10. Paris, France
Too bad you cannot tell who is a star and who is not while you’re in Paris, because the City of Lights serves as the home to many European and North American celebrities. The city’s long history, great restaurants and other amenities make it a choice for many stars. Of course, it is hard to spot celebs in Paris since everyone seems to have an attitude.
9. New Orleans, Louisiana
You know, this one may surprise you, but probably because you are too smashed out of your mind to notice much. Every time I go down to New Orleans, I hobnob with the loudest and wildest of celebrities. Their names? Sorry, I have been sworn to secrecy.
8. Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver ranks amongst one of the busiest cities in terms of film production. It is therefore no surprise that Vancouver is either a temporary or permanent home to celebrities from both sides of the border, from The X-Files days, to the movies that shoot there day in and day out.
7. London, United Kingdom
London is a bustling city that doesn’t sleep, and between the actors, musicians and models walking the streets, London will leave you star-struck, if you know the right spots to hit, of course. However, it is true that many seek the more tranquil pace of neighboring Dublin, Ireland. But hey, most still crave the maddening noise of London.
6. Las Vegas, Nevada
Between the shows, gambling, clubs, and various forms of escapism, expect to see the rich and famous here and there. Actually, chances are that you will fail to socialize in any of the high-roller joints, but hey, at least you can say you saw Wayne Newton! Where you’re most likely to spot everyone from Pamela to Bruce…
5. Monte Carlo, Monaco
This tax haven along the French Riviera has always been a favorite destination for the rich and famous; can’t blame them. Where else can you gamble away those $20 million dollars, sip on martinis and live tax-free? It’s often called Millionaires playground.
4. New York City, New York
Is there any doubt that the Big Apple makes the list? Of course, I laugh any time I see New York on any list, after all, when a city has 20 million people, you would expect it to have enough of anything. If you’re not spotting celebrities at Broadway shows or walking through Central Park, you’re seeing the millions of hopefuls who flock there to be discovered.
3. Milan, Italy
The city is home to many a famous model, and wherever you see models, you are more than likely to spot celebrities (especially males) flocking to wine, dine and…
2. Miami, Florida
South Beach is heaven on earth. Whether you stroll by News Café on Ocean Drive or hit any spot on Lincoln Avenue, you are sure to run into one celeb or another. And when the sun sets, hit any of the following spots — Level, Crowbar, Space, Pearl, or Opium — and you’re sure to encounter athletes, singers, actors, and many wannabes.
1. Southern California
Burbank, LA, Hollywood, Malibu, Santa Monica… the list can go on. Obviously, if the center of the “entertainment” world is Hollywood, then chances are that its neighboring cities will have their share of stars and silicon-filled look-alikes.

Tulip Fields of Gosen


It is not the first time we enjoy tulip fields of the world: we've been to Skegit Valley and Keukenhof flower park of Holland. But not only Holland can show awesome flower fields: today it's Japan to impress us!
Our destination is Gosen, the place not far from Niigata.
On the way to the farm.
Right at the station of Gosen you may rent a bicycle for 500 yens and ride for some hours.
Some people come with pets.
The colors of the tulips have so many tones! From such...
To such...
Narcissi grow here too.
Fantastic seas of tulips.
"Fly away"
On the area of 3 hectares they grow 1 500 000 tulips.
The wind is very strong here, but the flowers don't break!

10 Places Where Romance is Always in the Air


Believe it or not but Paris, Rome, Prague or Venice are out of this list. There are heaps of other love-is-in-the-air places around the globe, where dramatic landscapes, romantic architecture and tender atmosphere create perfect scenery for passionate affection.
It is true that with whom you share life is a lot more important than where you do but pleasure and joy of moments spend with your loved one gets doubled if spent at places like these. So spend your romantic time in one of these super romantic places where love is always in the air and live the time of your life.
Santorini, Greece
Everything is romantic on Santorini. The white walls of the archipelago’s houses, charming little streets, beautiful gardens, excellent cuisine, domestic wine, dazzling sea, golden cliffs, spectacular sunsets and fantastically relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Santorini is our planet’s most beautiful jewel and truly a paradise for lovers.
The Canadian Rockies, Canada
If restaurant candle light dinner with champagne cracking and smart clothes on is not really your definition of being romantic then the majestic landscape of the remote Canadian Rockies, far from crowds and tawdry tourist attractions, might be your perfect location for an adventurous romance getaway.
The Seychelles
If dramatic landscapes of wild mountains are not convincing then you should try something more exotic. The Seychelles, 115 stunning islands, located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, are an excellent spot for couples looking for relaxing and calm surroundings.
Tokyo Bay, Japan
How to find a romantic getaway in overpopulated, vibrant and busy Tokyo? Try a cruise around Tokyo Bay. Magnificent views of city night lights, dazzling Rainbow Bridge, and Odaiba’s modern architecture set quite splendid scenery for lovers.
Meersburg, Germany
If you and your loved one need kind of a time-stopped-here place then Meersburg, with its unique, colorful architecture, filled with cafes, bars and restaurants and apple groves, is definitely a place you are looking for.
Big Sur, California
A 90 mile long drive along Big Sur coastline may seem not to be very long but if you stop a few times for a kiss, then a few times for hugs, and then several more times to admire the gorgeous views, you can significantly stretch your time together. The beauty of this place is breathtaking.
Saint Paul de Vence, France
Provence, the land of colors and fragrances, has always been a heaven for artists, and of course, lovers looking for inspiration and passion. Among the most beautiful spots of the region is St Paul de Vence, an old town filled with great restaurants, charming cafes, romantic cobblestoned streets, and beautiful architecture.

San Francisco, The USA

San Francisco, a liberal city of love, birthplace of hippies and gay communities, revolutionizes the definition of love. Today the town is recognized for its laid back atmosphere, tolerance, and acceptance. Be it for romantic sunset over Golden Gate Bridge, smart cafes and restaurants, or simply a stroll along its streets, this place is filled with romantic and positive vibrations.
Lisbon, Portugal
No capital is more romantic than Lisbon. The warm atmosphere of the town, bathed in golden sunlight during the day and filled with dramatic sounds of jazz and fado at night, make the place an ideal spot to spend passionate time with the loved one.
Faroe Islands, Denmark
Imagine wide open spaces, dramatic cliffs, splendid sea, infinite fields of grass and moorlands. If this sounds like a perfect setting for a next romantic trip for you then you should head to Faroe Islands.

The Cloudy Volcano of Costa Rica


National park of Costa Rica on the peak of Poas volcano ("a" is stressed Parque Nacional Volcán Poás). It's one of the closest to the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose city, and the most invonvenient to visit. It's located high in the clouds, 2708m. People in Costa Rica joke that if you want to see the crater of the volcano don't say aloud that you are going there. You have to plan the trip in some another place and in the last moment turn to the volcano.
Clouds really prevent from seeing the crater.
From the acid lake there goes stinky evaporation...
The depth of the crater is about 300m, the diameter - about 1.7km. The acid lake is in the center, the water level depends on a season.
The air is cold and wet here.
By the way here is an awesome forest, but it's another story...

10 Most Exotic Swimming Pool Destinations in the World


Feeling a little cramped in your thousand square foot Manhattan apartment? Got a few extra million to blow? Summer is here and who with lots of bugs in his pocket doesn’t want to swim in some of the most exotic swimming pools with some amazing scenery and views in this soaking heat.
So here I have compiled a list of some of the most exotic swimming pools around the world. Water and the beautiful scenery around will be the most relaxing thing ever happened to you.
Kandalama Hotel – Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Enter the fantasy ambience of five star luxury suspended in a natural dreamscape. Relax and let your vision blend the sapphire blue of the infinity pool with the cool grey of the Kandalama Lake, where time has stood still for 2000 years.
Tuscany villas, Italy
In Tuscany villas you will have full access to the gardens, or simply relax by the pool, and take in panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.
Sheraton Waikiki – Hawaii
Sheraton Waikiki’s new Infinity pool which seems to stretch endlessly.  Guests will enjoy the illusion extended all the way to the horizon with magnificent views.
Rangali Island – Maldives
At Conard Maldives you will find beautiful scenery with amazing infinity pools on Rangali islands.
Phuket, Thailand
Many extras are in this modern newly built villa in Kata, Phuket, Thailand. Here you can enjoy panoramic views over the city, the ocean and the tropical jungle, take a dip in the infinity pool.
Los Cabos, Mexico
Los Cabos resort was designed to reflect the rich Spanish heritage of Mexico, featuring tiled roofs and a hacienda-style courtyard with a large, elevated cascading pond to exemplify a relaxed ambience. Resort amenities range from shimmering infinity pools with swim-up bars.
Dreams Resort – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
An infinity pool for relaxation is located in front of the Club Tower in dream resorts. Pool sundecks provide padded lounge chairs and umbrellas from where you can enjoy a magnificent view. 
Turkey
Mes Amis Resort
Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Casino – Singapore
The SkyPark is home to the world’s longest elevated swimming pool with a 150-meter vanishing edge, perched 200 meters above the ground and gives the view of entire Singapore city.