2009 December travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises spa and resorts

In the year 880, a group of shepherd children saw a light descend from the heavens in the mountains of Montserrat and children’s heart were filled with joy. For a month the visitations continued and were traced to a mountain cave. When local priests explored the spot, they found an image of the Virgin Mary. Later, in the eleventh century Aboot Oliba founded a small monastery on the site, and today eighty Benedictine monks still welcome pilgrims to their rocky mountain home. Photo by: Sandro Mancuso
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The Andel’s Hotel Lodz is the first 4-star deluxe design hotel in Lodz, Poland. The Andel’s offers a very convenient location within walking distance of Ulica Piotrkowska, the main boulevard for cafes, shops and bars in Lodz. The hotel is also a neighbour to Manufaktura, an art and culture center. These perfect surroundings of the hotel constitute ideal place for meetings, conventions, conferences, business travelers and leisure.
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Dream Hotel is located in the heart of Manhattan. Stylish boutique hotel with distinctive elegance and the feel of a private residence, intimate and comfortable. Located between Central Park, the Time Warner Center in the north and Times Square in the south.
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Ponta dos Ganchos is set in a lush tropical forest on a privately owned lagoon dotted with tiny islands. This luxury resort is situated in the southern state of Santa Caterina on Brazil‘s emerald coast and contains twenty rustic cabanas, some with sauna, whirlpool tub, and infinity pool. Children are not allowed, which means that peace is a given, making the place a destination for couples.
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Hidden in the forest between Wuerzburg and Aschaffenburg, it has survived all wars, and dates back to the 13th century. Mespelbrunn Castle is one of the lovelies castles in northern Bavaria and is located in a small, hidden, picturesque valley. It is well preserved and remains in its original state. The castle is privately owned and may be visited only with a guided tour!
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In 1982 when scientists first measured Earth‘s magnetic field by satellite, they found our planet’s center to be in central Chile‘s dry Elqui Valley. So it should come as no surprise that, this magnetic epicenter was chosen to be the site for the construction of one of only seven astronomic hotels in the southern hemisphere. Photo by: J.R. Gast
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Head north through the vast Quebrada de Hamuahuaca gorge, which was a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the beauty of its stratified orange-ocher rock, and then strike off across wildly beautiful landscape on a rocky road that crosses several rivers before climbing to a mountain pass, the Abra del Condor, at a breathless 4,000 m. From there, the track slaloms down vast slabs of mountainside. It seems incredible that anyone lives here and finally at the end of the road, Iruya reveal for you. Photo by: Sk-Charlie
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In 1838 the German Prince Ferdinand Saxe-Coburg Gotha acquired the ruins of the Pena Monastery at auction. At the same time, he had the intention to restore the building to its original glory. However, perhaps influenced by an illegal affair, he changed his plans and in 1840 the prince instructed the German engineer Baron von Eschwege to build a country residence and grounds. The architect proposed an awe-inspiring new design for the palace with gardens and colourful facades and they were happily accepted by the prince. Photo by: Crunchy-P
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Ski Dubai in Dubai Emirates Mall started in December 2005 is the worlds third largest indoor ski slope. The slopes are 280 feet high (85m) and 262 feet wide (80m) wide, with a capacity of 1500 guests. Temperatures stay just below freezing—cold enough to be refreshing. Kids and parents like will have fun in the interactive Snow Park, which at well over 30,000 square feet is the largest indoor snow park in the world.
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The luxurious eco-camp can be found on a distant beach on an unspoiled island in Mexico‘s Sea of Cortez, a one hour boat ride from La Paz. There are no high-rise buildings or noisy clubs, just the sounds of the nature. Baja Camp offers large ten-person tents house beds, soft linen, and warm showers. The biggest tent is a large dining area and lounge, with comfortable chairs to sink into.
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