During the winter months, finding a beach vacation spot can be a little difficult. It does not have to be, which is where this article will really come in handy. Below, you will find some resorts that offer a unique twist to your...winter beach vacation.
1. Molokai Ranch and Lodge
On a white sand shore on the tiny Hawaiian island of Molokai, guests will stay in comfortable yet unique tents. Each double unit canvas bungalow sits on wooden platforms, offers queen size beds in one unit, twin beds in the other, solar powered lights, and a private bathroom with hot water showers.
The Molokai Ranch and Lodge offer over 54,000 acres, including seaside cliffs with very lush valleys. The outdoor activities here include sea kayaking, cultural hikes, mountain biking, and horseback rides. For the kids, the lodge offers nature walks, horse stables, tidal pools and Hawaiian arts and crafts.
2. Grand Wailea Resort and Spa of Hawaii
Long ago, a big swimming pool was enough to make guests happy. Now days, resorts compete in water activities such as lagoons, waterfalls, water slides, and even lazy rivers.
The Grand Wailea Resort offers several attractions, such as the 4,580 square foot Hibiscus pool, and the 25,700 square foot Canyon Activity pool which is great for families.
3. Atlantis Resort of the Bahamas
In the amazing water fun department is the unique Atlantis Resort and Spa on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Along with the beach, the Atlantis has eleven swimming pools, Mayan Temple water slides, and lazy river rides. The Atlantis also boasts an amazing marine habitat, with exhibit lagoons that house more than 50,000 sea animals.
4. Club Med Punta Cana
Over the last several years, the Dominion Republic has been working very hard to establish itself as a destination for families, with many all inclusive being built. This location has all the perks of a tropical resort plus stand out features that include kids programs, and other attractions that make Club Med Punta Cana one of the most unique beach vacation spots in the entire world.
5. Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands National Park is a very unique vacation spot with white sandy beaches, and lodging in comfortable tent cottages.
As with the Molokai Ranch, guest cottages are built on platforms and designed to be both attractive and comfortable. Each one has a sleeping area, bed linen, towels, kitchen utensils, stove, ice cooler, and even a private deck.
Water sports for the area include kayaking, wind surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. There is also an outdoor restaurant and a food store for those who want to cook from the privacy of their own room.
Sunday, 16 December 2007
Feelin' the Chill!
It was a cold and wet December day, when my feet touched the sand at Sendai Shinko. The sand was blanketed white with fresh snow, the sky grey, the waves perfect, and the line up empty. It should have been a perfect setup, the kind of day a surfer dreams of, but I could barely muster up the enthusiasm to strap on my leash. That December day was last year, it’s fresh in my mind now as the first snows are starting to fall on the mountains around Sendai. Oh well, here we go again.
Being an Australian, growing up in Queensland, I have never had to think...about cold. Cold water surfing prior to Japan was wearing a 3mm full suit in winter for the early session for comfort rather than necessity.To say I loath the cold would be an understatement, but there is something to be said for it, and that’s what this article is about.
Anybody can keep stoked on surfing in the tropics, it’s easy. You wake up in the morning in your boardies, scratch your self grab a drink and head to the beach to check the swell. If it’s good you run in paddle out and surf until you get sick of it. If it’s flat, you feel bummed, but figure a swim will probably help you shake of the sleep and get the day underway, like I said, easy. Surfing in a snow covered winter is a whole other story. Your alarm rings, you wake up, it’s dark, and your face is cold. You pull the blanket over your head and tell yourself it’s just a bad dream, eventually one of your buddies who has just gone through the same nightmare, calls you up and tells you to get you ass out of bed.The nightmare continues, you get your wetty out of the bathtub, which is still wet, but now icy cold and stuff it into a bag, fill up a tank with steaming hot water pull on three to four layers of clothes and head out the door to scrape the ice and snow off of the car; it’s still dark by the way.
Once at the beach, the real challenge begins, standing on either ice or snow, with winds pouring off of the snow capped mountains around 50km away, you have to somehow get off you three to four layers and put on your icy cold wet wetty, boots, gloves and hood. Then walk through ankle to knee deep snow down to the shore, and begin the paddle out.
Unlike paddling in summer paddling in winter is like trying to swim while wrapped in a blanket, with oven mitts on. All this isn’t too bad compared to the joys of taking a duck dive under a 2 degree Celsius wall of water, which brings an instant ice cream headache.
While sitting in the line off shore wind blows against your wet hair, if you are like me and cannot stand the claustrophobic feel of a hood while you wait for waves, I only pull my hood up when it hurts to leave it down.The 5mm wet suit feels like an iron suit, with the boots and gloves on I feel like G.I Surfer, my body locked into a permanent posture rigid all movement forced, but then it happens, then one event which seems to make all the misery disappear in an instant, the peak approaches. As you paddle for the wave, icy water bounces off the nose of your board and stings your face and eyes, almost blind you feel for the moment when you know you've got the wave, be it a head high wave or double over the rush is the same, rather than the fear of a pounding, which is usually measured by the size and force of the wave, in these conditions it's the cold that rattles you, any wipeout is going to suck. One such wipeout held me down deep for two waves, I climbed up to my board trying to keep conscious and proceeded to throw up. Your feet hit the deck and you're off, cold gone, though you feel as weak as a kitten and a turn or two can leave you out of breath, but the stoke is the same. Due to cold and fatigue a winter surf usually is under one hour, that when the joints stop bending and the feet are numb, you stumble out of the water and brave the wind on the walk back to the car, once there you begin to strip off the layers of rubber, daunting task as your extremities are totally numb, one time my hands were so numb that as I pulled off my glove my wedding ring came off and I didn't feel it, winter surfing nearly cost me my marriage. Back in the car the heater blasting, toes completely numb, you begin driving home smiling ear to ear, you've made it, nature at it's worst and you were up to the challenge. You truly are a surf warrior!
Being an Australian, growing up in Queensland, I have never had to think...about cold. Cold water surfing prior to Japan was wearing a 3mm full suit in winter for the early session for comfort rather than necessity.To say I loath the cold would be an understatement, but there is something to be said for it, and that’s what this article is about.
Anybody can keep stoked on surfing in the tropics, it’s easy. You wake up in the morning in your boardies, scratch your self grab a drink and head to the beach to check the swell. If it’s good you run in paddle out and surf until you get sick of it. If it’s flat, you feel bummed, but figure a swim will probably help you shake of the sleep and get the day underway, like I said, easy. Surfing in a snow covered winter is a whole other story. Your alarm rings, you wake up, it’s dark, and your face is cold. You pull the blanket over your head and tell yourself it’s just a bad dream, eventually one of your buddies who has just gone through the same nightmare, calls you up and tells you to get you ass out of bed.The nightmare continues, you get your wetty out of the bathtub, which is still wet, but now icy cold and stuff it into a bag, fill up a tank with steaming hot water pull on three to four layers of clothes and head out the door to scrape the ice and snow off of the car; it’s still dark by the way.
Once at the beach, the real challenge begins, standing on either ice or snow, with winds pouring off of the snow capped mountains around 50km away, you have to somehow get off you three to four layers and put on your icy cold wet wetty, boots, gloves and hood. Then walk through ankle to knee deep snow down to the shore, and begin the paddle out.
Unlike paddling in summer paddling in winter is like trying to swim while wrapped in a blanket, with oven mitts on. All this isn’t too bad compared to the joys of taking a duck dive under a 2 degree Celsius wall of water, which brings an instant ice cream headache.
While sitting in the line off shore wind blows against your wet hair, if you are like me and cannot stand the claustrophobic feel of a hood while you wait for waves, I only pull my hood up when it hurts to leave it down.The 5mm wet suit feels like an iron suit, with the boots and gloves on I feel like G.I Surfer, my body locked into a permanent posture rigid all movement forced, but then it happens, then one event which seems to make all the misery disappear in an instant, the peak approaches. As you paddle for the wave, icy water bounces off the nose of your board and stings your face and eyes, almost blind you feel for the moment when you know you've got the wave, be it a head high wave or double over the rush is the same, rather than the fear of a pounding, which is usually measured by the size and force of the wave, in these conditions it's the cold that rattles you, any wipeout is going to suck. One such wipeout held me down deep for two waves, I climbed up to my board trying to keep conscious and proceeded to throw up. Your feet hit the deck and you're off, cold gone, though you feel as weak as a kitten and a turn or two can leave you out of breath, but the stoke is the same. Due to cold and fatigue a winter surf usually is under one hour, that when the joints stop bending and the feet are numb, you stumble out of the water and brave the wind on the walk back to the car, once there you begin to strip off the layers of rubber, daunting task as your extremities are totally numb, one time my hands were so numb that as I pulled off my glove my wedding ring came off and I didn't feel it, winter surfing nearly cost me my marriage. Back in the car the heater blasting, toes completely numb, you begin driving home smiling ear to ear, you've made it, nature at it's worst and you were up to the challenge. You truly are a surf warrior!
Beginning Surfing? Ways to help
Surfing is a fun and popular sport around the world. Unfortunately a lot of folks are too intimidated to even search out a school or instructor to even start this fantastic sport. Here’s some tips that will help you get over that and get out there on the waves!
Choose a spot appropriate to your skill level. The place where you start surfing will influence your experience and learning curve. When you are first learning to surf...your main goal is to catch a wave and stand up on the board. You don't need a perfect wave to do that. In fact, a beach where the waves just close out (break all at once), when the waves are small, offers a great opportunity to practice catching and standing up. Since the waves are closing out, there won't be any other people surfing (unless there is another beginner, so keep your distance). After catching the wave, ride on your belly until it breaks, then, while you are riding the white water toward the beach, just stand up and try to balance. Once you've got the hang of that, you are reading to ride a wave that has a peeling break. The greater speed associated with a peeling wave will then allow you to learn to turn the board.
1. Avoid crowds. You need some experience before you can successfully catch waves without getting in the way of others.
2. Avoid rocky spots. When you're learning you might not have sufficient control to navigate around them, and getting smashed up against a rock is bad for you and your board.
3. Avoid big waves. Knee- to waist-high surf is right for beginners.
4. Slow, mushy surf at point breaks with sandy bottoms and small crowds are the best places to learn.
Once you get a feel for the basics of catching and riding waves, continue your learning at a "beach break" - a long straight beach with lots of different wave peaks, a sandy bottom and plenty of room.
Ask friends who surf to steer you to the best places in your area to learn.
Understand the surfing right-of-way before you get in the water. Beginners that get in the way of experienced surfers ruin the fun for both.
Surfing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death.
We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.
Choose a spot appropriate to your skill level. The place where you start surfing will influence your experience and learning curve. When you are first learning to surf...your main goal is to catch a wave and stand up on the board. You don't need a perfect wave to do that. In fact, a beach where the waves just close out (break all at once), when the waves are small, offers a great opportunity to practice catching and standing up. Since the waves are closing out, there won't be any other people surfing (unless there is another beginner, so keep your distance). After catching the wave, ride on your belly until it breaks, then, while you are riding the white water toward the beach, just stand up and try to balance. Once you've got the hang of that, you are reading to ride a wave that has a peeling break. The greater speed associated with a peeling wave will then allow you to learn to turn the board.
1. Avoid crowds. You need some experience before you can successfully catch waves without getting in the way of others.
2. Avoid rocky spots. When you're learning you might not have sufficient control to navigate around them, and getting smashed up against a rock is bad for you and your board.
3. Avoid big waves. Knee- to waist-high surf is right for beginners.
4. Slow, mushy surf at point breaks with sandy bottoms and small crowds are the best places to learn.
Once you get a feel for the basics of catching and riding waves, continue your learning at a "beach break" - a long straight beach with lots of different wave peaks, a sandy bottom and plenty of room.
Ask friends who surf to steer you to the best places in your area to learn.
Understand the surfing right-of-way before you get in the water. Beginners that get in the way of experienced surfers ruin the fun for both.
Surfing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death.
We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.
Surfboard design innovations
Surfing has its roots in the Polynesia. When explorers such as Captain Cook first happened on previously undiscovered Polynesian islands in the 18th century, they were often surprised to find the natives seemingly walking on water, riding waves with different crafts raging from huge wooden boards to small planks and nothing at all. In Hawaii, where surfing was common, it was strictly regulated by a...system of governance called Btapu. Some breaks were reserved for the chiefs who generally used huge boards to ride the waves. This system of governance also determined the way each surfboard needs to be made. An each surfboard determined the status of the rider’s board.
When the Hawaiian population was almost killed by disease and foreign influence in the 19th century, the practice of surfing declined, and almost died out entirely. However, as Hawaii came to be seen as an attractive vacation destination in the beginning of the 20th century, surfing experienced a sort of rebirth, lead by the Olympic swimmer Duke Kahanamoku and the Waikiki Beach Boys. Surfing broke in as part of Hawaii’s image as a tropical paradise. Kanahanamoku became a kind of ambassador for surfing, introducing it to both coasts of the US as well as Australia between 1910 and 1920. Surfing did not immediately blossom in these new locations, however, because of their cold weather and the heavy and unhandy nature of the old wooden boards. It would take many years and technical innovations before surfing became popular worldwide.
The first great innovation was the addition of the fin to the underside of the surfboard. The fin increased the surfboard’s stability and made it more maneuverable. In the 1940s, Californian Bob Simmons began to experiment with new shapes and design materials for surfboards, and came up with the modern foam and fiberglass construction that is the basis for surfboard design today. The new materials made surfboards lighter, cheaper, and more accessible. The advent of the wetsuit around this time made temperate coastlines much more attractive for surfing and this greater accessibly helped to facilitate surfings’ great boom in the 1960’s, when different surfing movies and bands like The Beach Boys, Bel-airs, and Surfers, helped surfing, and the accompanying lifestyle present its way into America’s culture.
The next great revolution was the short board revolution of the late 1960s, when some surfers started experimenting with surfboards radically shorter and more maneuverable than before. This opened up a whole new world of faster, steeper breaks which the older boards were unable to handle. The 1970s saw the birth of the professional surfing world tour, which helped to further popularize surfing around the world. The final revolution in surfboard design took place in the early 1980s, the three finned surfboard, which further increased board speed and maneuverability.
Today surfing continues to increase in popularity and is spreading to the whole globe.
When the Hawaiian population was almost killed by disease and foreign influence in the 19th century, the practice of surfing declined, and almost died out entirely. However, as Hawaii came to be seen as an attractive vacation destination in the beginning of the 20th century, surfing experienced a sort of rebirth, lead by the Olympic swimmer Duke Kahanamoku and the Waikiki Beach Boys. Surfing broke in as part of Hawaii’s image as a tropical paradise. Kanahanamoku became a kind of ambassador for surfing, introducing it to both coasts of the US as well as Australia between 1910 and 1920. Surfing did not immediately blossom in these new locations, however, because of their cold weather and the heavy and unhandy nature of the old wooden boards. It would take many years and technical innovations before surfing became popular worldwide.
The first great innovation was the addition of the fin to the underside of the surfboard. The fin increased the surfboard’s stability and made it more maneuverable. In the 1940s, Californian Bob Simmons began to experiment with new shapes and design materials for surfboards, and came up with the modern foam and fiberglass construction that is the basis for surfboard design today. The new materials made surfboards lighter, cheaper, and more accessible. The advent of the wetsuit around this time made temperate coastlines much more attractive for surfing and this greater accessibly helped to facilitate surfings’ great boom in the 1960’s, when different surfing movies and bands like The Beach Boys, Bel-airs, and Surfers, helped surfing, and the accompanying lifestyle present its way into America’s culture.
The next great revolution was the short board revolution of the late 1960s, when some surfers started experimenting with surfboards radically shorter and more maneuverable than before. This opened up a whole new world of faster, steeper breaks which the older boards were unable to handle. The 1970s saw the birth of the professional surfing world tour, which helped to further popularize surfing around the world. The final revolution in surfboard design took place in the early 1980s, the three finned surfboard, which further increased board speed and maneuverability.
Today surfing continues to increase in popularity and is spreading to the whole globe.
Wednesday, 5 December 2007
Learn how waveboard works?
The waveboard as a very unique a different design then most boards on the market. The board only has two wheels, which are free to rotate an entire 360 degrees, located under two separate decks that are connected by a spring loaded torsion bar. The decks are able to twist opposite of each other. It is this technology that allows the wave board to be propelled without your feet ever needing to touch the ground. The wheels are sized at 77mm and 85A, and the bearings are ABEC5. Waveboard wheels are designed to take the wear and tear of continual use. Your feet never have to touch the ground when riding and because of this any wheels would wear down much faster. The waveboard wheels keep you riding longer... before you need to change them. The 360 degree rotating wheels connect to the decks which are made out of high quality and very strong ABS plastic. ABS plastic was used because of the strength it has. The board can take a lot of wear and tear before it will ever break. The one draw back is that the board is slightly heavier then most boards, although weight is not going to matter when you are cruising down the street with the waveboard under your feet.
On top of the decks are the face plates and grip. Outlining each deck are traction plates. These traction plates give you grip around the entire perimeter of each deck. Therefore if your feet slide for some reason the traction plates will grip your shoe and hold you on the board. In the middle of the top of each deck are the traction pads. These traction pads are little sections of grip to grab onto the middle of your shoe and also help give the board its sleek look. The last things on top of the decks are the interchangeable deck plates. There are silver decks, green, orange, red, pink, and checkered that can all be put on any waveboard. These decks are all about the design and look of the board, and created interchangeable so you can customize your waveboard. On the underside of each deck the plastic is sand blasted for protection. This is also where the screws are located to remove a deck plate and change it. The two decks are connected by a spring load torsion bar. This is the most important technology of the waveboard. This torsion bar is what allows each deck to swivel individually to produce the motion you need to propel yourself without ever pushing off of the ground. The free swiveling 360 degree wheels twist and turn as your feet swivels each deck. The correct motion is an “S” shape with your shoulders and hips and it is this movement coupled with the technology of the waveboard that propels you forward. When you get good at the waveboard you are not going to think of how it works, it just becomes so natural, and you will be able to balance like you are walking. Hopefully understanding the technology and how it works will help get you started and more comfortable on your waveboard quicker.
On top of the decks are the face plates and grip. Outlining each deck are traction plates. These traction plates give you grip around the entire perimeter of each deck. Therefore if your feet slide for some reason the traction plates will grip your shoe and hold you on the board. In the middle of the top of each deck are the traction pads. These traction pads are little sections of grip to grab onto the middle of your shoe and also help give the board its sleek look. The last things on top of the decks are the interchangeable deck plates. There are silver decks, green, orange, red, pink, and checkered that can all be put on any waveboard. These decks are all about the design and look of the board, and created interchangeable so you can customize your waveboard. On the underside of each deck the plastic is sand blasted for protection. This is also where the screws are located to remove a deck plate and change it. The two decks are connected by a spring load torsion bar. This is the most important technology of the waveboard. This torsion bar is what allows each deck to swivel individually to produce the motion you need to propel yourself without ever pushing off of the ground. The free swiveling 360 degree wheels twist and turn as your feet swivels each deck. The correct motion is an “S” shape with your shoulders and hips and it is this movement coupled with the technology of the waveboard that propels you forward. When you get good at the waveboard you are not going to think of how it works, it just becomes so natural, and you will be able to balance like you are walking. Hopefully understanding the technology and how it works will help get you started and more comfortable on your waveboard quicker.
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
Beach Life in Bali is Pure Fun in the Sun
As the temperature gets chillier in many Northern Hemisphere countries, tropical destinations such as Baliseem all the more attractive. With their bona fide friendly nature and ingenious for hospitality, the Balinese make the island an even more popular destination to beachcombers in search of sun, sand and surf.
Bali also has a variety of beach options to suit every kind of traveler. There are the popular surf spots of Kuta and Legian, the luxurious and private shores of Nusa Dua, the chic and romantic Seminyak beach and the beautifully serene locale of Sanur.
Says seasoned traveler Ganesh Manickavasagar, Director of D’Casting Company, “Bali is one of those locations... where you really feel an affinity with the environment. The picturesque beaches, charming people and traditional culture combine together to create a unique experience that really is unmatched by other tropical destinations.”
With its clean break waves and lengthy golden shore, Kuta has been a favourite among surfers since the 1970s. These days, the area is something of a tourist Mecca, offering a prime nightlife and entertainment scene in addition to its vast array of beach activities and hotels. The area is also brimming with shopping options, with everything from branded luxury clothes and accessories to bohemian beach wear.
The Kuta town and surrounding suburbs are suitable for all types of tourists including seasoned solo surfers, young groups of friends, couples and families. It is an epicenter for surf, sun and fun – but not necessarily peace and quiet. For this year’s summer high season, Agoda.com has hot deals around Kuta beach and the suburbs of Legian at Santika Beach Hotel, The Rani Hotel and Spa and Legian Beach Hotel.
“Bali is my favorite holiday spot. I’m from Sydney and love surfing back home but Bali has a different, more laid back feel. I love the food, the people and Balinese culture. Also, you cannot get a beach massage Balinese style at such a cheap price back home; they’re sublime!” says frequent Bali traveler and customer service manager, Natalie Brooks.
Not far from Kuta town is the trendy Seminyak beach. Quickly earning a reputation for being a sleek, boutique hotspot, Seminyak has a first-rate swimming beach and a number of designer accommodation and fine dining options. Agoda recommendations include the Resor Seminyak Resort & Spa and the opulent Oberoi Hotel.
The luxurious beach cove of Nusa Dua is a favorite among those traveling to Bali, because of its calm, tranquil atmosphere and inviting turquoise waters. It is a perfect place for romancing honeymooners but also for those with a passion for underwater life – there are good diving and snorkeling spots to be found in this area. Agoda has special discounts at Nikko Resort & Spa, Melia Benoa Hotel and Nusa Dua Resort & Spa, all known for their splendid outdoor landscaping, Balinese architecture and high levels of service.
Closer to Denpasar, the quiet beach of Sanur is a pleasant alternative to the highly developed and more popular beach spots of Bali. Everything at Sanur moves at a leisurely pace, and guests can experience a more traditional Bali, with local fishermen bringing in their catch of the day and the soothing sounds of the nearby temple, offering a unique atmosphere. Agoda has special hotel rates at Sanur Beach Hotel, Mercure Sanur Hotel and Sri Phala Resort and Villas.
Bali also has a variety of beach options to suit every kind of traveler. There are the popular surf spots of Kuta and Legian, the luxurious and private shores of Nusa Dua, the chic and romantic Seminyak beach and the beautifully serene locale of Sanur.
Says seasoned traveler Ganesh Manickavasagar, Director of D’Casting Company, “Bali is one of those locations... where you really feel an affinity with the environment. The picturesque beaches, charming people and traditional culture combine together to create a unique experience that really is unmatched by other tropical destinations.”
With its clean break waves and lengthy golden shore, Kuta has been a favourite among surfers since the 1970s. These days, the area is something of a tourist Mecca, offering a prime nightlife and entertainment scene in addition to its vast array of beach activities and hotels. The area is also brimming with shopping options, with everything from branded luxury clothes and accessories to bohemian beach wear.
The Kuta town and surrounding suburbs are suitable for all types of tourists including seasoned solo surfers, young groups of friends, couples and families. It is an epicenter for surf, sun and fun – but not necessarily peace and quiet. For this year’s summer high season, Agoda.com has hot deals around Kuta beach and the suburbs of Legian at Santika Beach Hotel, The Rani Hotel and Spa and Legian Beach Hotel.
“Bali is my favorite holiday spot. I’m from Sydney and love surfing back home but Bali has a different, more laid back feel. I love the food, the people and Balinese culture. Also, you cannot get a beach massage Balinese style at such a cheap price back home; they’re sublime!” says frequent Bali traveler and customer service manager, Natalie Brooks.
Not far from Kuta town is the trendy Seminyak beach. Quickly earning a reputation for being a sleek, boutique hotspot, Seminyak has a first-rate swimming beach and a number of designer accommodation and fine dining options. Agoda recommendations include the Resor Seminyak Resort & Spa and the opulent Oberoi Hotel.
The luxurious beach cove of Nusa Dua is a favorite among those traveling to Bali, because of its calm, tranquil atmosphere and inviting turquoise waters. It is a perfect place for romancing honeymooners but also for those with a passion for underwater life – there are good diving and snorkeling spots to be found in this area. Agoda has special discounts at Nikko Resort & Spa, Melia Benoa Hotel and Nusa Dua Resort & Spa, all known for their splendid outdoor landscaping, Balinese architecture and high levels of service.
Closer to Denpasar, the quiet beach of Sanur is a pleasant alternative to the highly developed and more popular beach spots of Bali. Everything at Sanur moves at a leisurely pace, and guests can experience a more traditional Bali, with local fishermen bringing in their catch of the day and the soothing sounds of the nearby temple, offering a unique atmosphere. Agoda has special hotel rates at Sanur Beach Hotel, Mercure Sanur Hotel and Sri Phala Resort and Villas.
San Sebastian Tours
San Sebastian also known as Donostia-San Sebastian is the capital province of Gipuzkoa in the basque country, Spain. Surrounded by beaches this place is blessed with pristine beauty located on the Basque coast of northwest Spain 20 km away from the French border. Strolling on the La Concha beach, the most famous and usually packed in July and August with large number of tourists is simply amazing. It is larger on the west side with an island and boats in the bay. Those people who love sports and adventures this place is heaven for them. La Zurriola is on the east of the old town and river is very popular and mostly thronged by the tourists as it is a surf beach were you can simply get in and ride the Atlantic waves and enjoy the beach sports.
Another beach Ondarreta is also famous for surfing and adventure sports. If you want you can go for hiking on the top of the mountain between the beaches. Hire a kayak and try to measure the depth of the water and tryst with the panoramic view. The city of Guipuzcoa is beautifully decorated with the breathtaking green mountain landscapes which attract attention... of one and all. Going to this place and not visiting the museums and knowing its past history would be something like things done half heartedly. The Dominican monastery built in 16th century has remarkable collection of Basque artifacts from prehistoric times. The museum of San Sebastian is worth seeing.
Plaza Carlos Blasco de Imaz is an Oceanographic museum takes you to the underwater walkways and allows you to take glimpse of sharks, rays and other marine creatures. It also boasts of huge collection of numerous marine creatures kept in large tanks. The maritime museum shows the fascination of mankind towards the sea since ages with historical displays of naval artifacts, fishing gear and marine fossils.
San Sebastian has long known for its style and very conscious of the image formed since past gives way to the high-end shops with trendy boutiques filled with something which is off-beat or way-out designer gear. The Basque Cuisine is famous within Spain and San Sebastian is famous for its bar and restaurants. Every bar in San Sebastian burst with delicate looking Tapas which is usually enjoyed with a glass of wine or a small beer. The kalimotxo is a local drink made of 50% wine and 50% coca cola is very famous among the youngsters. The food available here is varied, one can go for Basque cuisine if not Chinese, German, Galician and Italian are also available. Some people enjoy the freshest seafood served in San Sebastian.
San Sebastian International Film Festival and International Jazz Festival are some of the biggest event which attracts not only the tourists but also the celebrities. There are some fine hotels here but not sufficient to accommodate the influx of tourists especially in the months of July and august to witness the unique candlelit ceremony, takes place to venerate San Sebastian's devastating 1813 fire. So reservation in advance is essential.
Another beach Ondarreta is also famous for surfing and adventure sports. If you want you can go for hiking on the top of the mountain between the beaches. Hire a kayak and try to measure the depth of the water and tryst with the panoramic view. The city of Guipuzcoa is beautifully decorated with the breathtaking green mountain landscapes which attract attention... of one and all. Going to this place and not visiting the museums and knowing its past history would be something like things done half heartedly. The Dominican monastery built in 16th century has remarkable collection of Basque artifacts from prehistoric times. The museum of San Sebastian is worth seeing.
Plaza Carlos Blasco de Imaz is an Oceanographic museum takes you to the underwater walkways and allows you to take glimpse of sharks, rays and other marine creatures. It also boasts of huge collection of numerous marine creatures kept in large tanks. The maritime museum shows the fascination of mankind towards the sea since ages with historical displays of naval artifacts, fishing gear and marine fossils.
San Sebastian has long known for its style and very conscious of the image formed since past gives way to the high-end shops with trendy boutiques filled with something which is off-beat or way-out designer gear. The Basque Cuisine is famous within Spain and San Sebastian is famous for its bar and restaurants. Every bar in San Sebastian burst with delicate looking Tapas which is usually enjoyed with a glass of wine or a small beer. The kalimotxo is a local drink made of 50% wine and 50% coca cola is very famous among the youngsters. The food available here is varied, one can go for Basque cuisine if not Chinese, German, Galician and Italian are also available. Some people enjoy the freshest seafood served in San Sebastian.
San Sebastian International Film Festival and International Jazz Festival are some of the biggest event which attracts not only the tourists but also the celebrities. There are some fine hotels here but not sufficient to accommodate the influx of tourists especially in the months of July and august to witness the unique candlelit ceremony, takes place to venerate San Sebastian's devastating 1813 fire. So reservation in advance is essential.
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