The Chicamocha Canyon, a 1,524-meter-high vertical wall, is one of the most breathtaking sites of Colombia! It is located just 54 kilometers from Bucaramanga by car.

The canyon, which covers over 108,000 hectares, was formed 4.6 billion years ago. The experts will choose the finalists based on: natural beauty, diversity, ecological importance, historical legacy and geographic location.

There is a hiking trail that starts in los Santos town 1500 meters above sea level, and goes down to the canyon and up to the Chicamocha Canyon National Park.

The temperature in the canyon fluctuates from 11°C to 32°C from day to night .The climate is perfect for coffee and very pleasant for pilots,too.

The Chicamocha Canyon is nominated in the contest “New Seven Wonders of the World”.

There are so many incredible photos… it is very difficult to choose…. This is Ilulissat Icefjord which is located 250 km north of the Arctic Circle and is the biggest natural attraction in Greenland. Owing to gigantic icebergs, the glacier flows at a rate of 20-35 m per day, resulting in around 20 billion tones of icebergs. In 2004 was admitted onto UNESCO’s World Heritage List. It has been the object of scientific attention for 250 years and is today at the centre of the huge international focus on global warming thanks to extensive media coverage.

The ice-stream is one of the fastest (19m per day) and most active in the world. Its annual calving of over 35km³ of ice accounts for 10% of the production of all Greenland calf ice, more than any other glacier outside Antarctica. The glacier has significantly added to the understanding of ice-cap glaciology, climate change and related geomorphic processes.

All tour operators organize trips to Ilulissat Icefjord, including hiking trips, sailing trips and helicopter flights. Official site – click here

‘Let go, let go……let gooooo!’ That is going to be a voice shout from above when you do hang gliding in the Lookout Mountain. The flight park is one of the best in the world, giving you a chance to experience such an extreme sport. The place offers ideal flying conditions.

Glider pilots, foot-launching from a large concrete platform, 1,340 feet above the valley below, surf those waves, gliding as effortlessly as birds. Once airborne, gliders can spend hours soaring around.

The school has two training hills, one stands 125 feet high, the other stands about 65 feet high. Students are also told to look at a distant target, instead of the ground. During your flight, an inland compass greets you on Lookout Mountain, a hulking flat-topped ridge that extends for miles on the Tennessee – Georgia border.

Photos by: Erik S. Lesser. Location: Rising Fawn Ga. Trenton, Georgia (USA). There are more than 150 hang gliding schools in the country, according to the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association. A list of schools is at ushpa.aero/schools.asp.

Martinique’s Creole chic is a Caribbean wonder. As a Department of France, the island gets all the benefits of the north European Euro – zone, allied to the technicolor brilliance of West Indian music and culture. It’s a heady and glamorous mix. The downside of the French umbilical is overdevelopment and overcrowding, which can be dismaying if you arrive from another island, but after a day or so the sheer of the island will captivate you. Photo by: *** Olivia ***

Martinique is big enough to have mountains, rivers, forests and flower-filled wolds – all of which have more than 350 years of history . Fort de France is itself set on one of the world’s loveliest bays. At St Marie et Macouba, perched on a cliff over the Atlantic, are some of Martinique’s most famous rum distilleries – but remember local rum is often twice the strength of the other islands. Photo by: cnszym

The Caravelle Peninsula is especially beautiful at Baie du Tresor and Chateau Dubuc. Further south, you can watch the fishing fleet come home from the hills above Le Vauclin, among the hundred secluded coves and offshore sandbars that make south Martinique so attractive to yachts. Photo by: ziboom

When to go: Year-round. Come for a really spirited 5-day Mardi Gras in February/March. Population: 400,000. How to get there: By air from Miami, Puerto Rico or Paris; or from New York or London via Antigua, St Lucia or Barbados. Photo by: cnszym

Liseberg is an amusement park located in Gothenburg, Sweden. The park opened in 1923 and is the largest among counterparts located in the Nordic countries, attracting over 3 million visitors annually. One of the most popular attractions is the wooden roller coaster Balder, voted twice as Best Wooden Tracked Roller Coaster in the world in a major international poll. The park itself has also been chosen as one of the top ten amusement parks in the world (2005) by Forbes Magazine.

Additional to the summer season, the park is also open during November and December, albeit with fewer rides operating, hosting a Christmas market with traditional Swedish cuisine such as mulled wine and specialties such as dunner kebab made from reindeer meat.

Tornado is a very scary and 100 % guarantee adrenaline spinningwheel performer in the Amusement park.

Many artists have performed on Liseberg through the years, including Bob Marley, Zarah Leander, Maurice Chevalier, Marlene Dietrich, Evert Taube, ABBA, Lasse Dahlquist, Birgit Nilsson, Pernilla Wahlgren and Carola Häggkvist. Photos by: iapia

Ashford Castle is a magnificent monument to over 700 years of history and tradition and is appreciated by visitors from all over the world. Dates back to 1228, the castle opened as an exclusive hotel in 1939. Today it is recognized as one of the most luxurious resort hotels in the world. The hotel sets on the shores of Ireland’s second largest lake- Lough Corrib. The estate is 350 acres of private estate and gardens and once belonged to the Guiness family.

Appreciated by some of the world’s most famous celebrities and host to Presidents and Kings, Ashford Castle is synonym with graceful luxury. Ashford was the chosen location for the producers and stars during the making of the epic film the “Quiet Man” and more recently the famous Hollywood star Pierce Brosnan alias -007- chose.

All guestrooms are individually designed and combine authentic, antique furniture with the personal everyday comforts you expect of a 5* hotel. High ceilings, marble fittings, luxury fabrics and comfortable furnishings match style with comfort. Hotel’s amenities – Private car park, Conference Room, Cocktail Bar, Hair Salon, Helipad an etc.

Excellently located on the lush forest vegetation along the bay of Anse Louis in Mahe, the resort was recently featured in Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List. The newly built Maia Luxury Resort & Spa is one of the most stunning resorts in the incredible Seychelles Archipelago. Isolated in the garden and surrounded by tropical nature, The Maia Resort provides the next step to losing yourself in luxury and indulgence. The resort has been designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley as a haven for pure relaxation in traditional Creole style. Each of the 30 exclusive villas sit atop the Maia hill offer an undisturbed 180 degrees sea view.

The Maia Spa offers a range of luxurious beauty treatments, using only the best with La Prairie products. Its well-known treatments are “Jari Menari” (Dancing Fingers) massage, caviar body therapy followed by a 90-minute massage. An infinity outdoor gazebo is perfect for dining on fresh caught fish, fragrant curries and lush fruits. Also there are professional Yoga and Self Shiatsu classes.

For more adventurous types, pick from a range of water activities such as scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, canoeing and wind-surf . Customized excursions to other islands by scenic helicopter flights (in a private helicopter) or island boat cruises can be arranged by the Maia staff.

Set among of 12 hectares of lush tropical gardens, with perfect beachfront location on popular Kuta beach, Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel Bali will helps you to deliver the truly romantic of this paradise on earth for your wedding ceremony and reception. This luxury beach resort offers a mix of 312 Ocean Facing Rooms and Family Suites set amidst an oasis of shady coconut palms.

The resort has a wide choice of restaurants and excellent sporting facilities. Sport facilities include one sparkling swimming pool for adult and one for children, tennis and volleyball courts, two squash courts, fitness centre with sauna and massage services. Water sports include parasailing, cruising, sailing, water skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling and etc. Also you could explore Bali Island from above by taking a ride of helicopter flight.

Anegada is lying in a remote corner of the Caribbean to the east of Puerto Rico, Anegada is the second largest of the British Virgin Islands. With a population of just 200, the remoteness of Anegada is one of its main attractions. Most visitors come to the island to relax and unwind on beautiful white sandy beaches. The clear warm waters around the island are home to a large population of bonefish, making Anegada popular destination for flyfishing. Photo by: Medical Student

Anegada is also known for the large salt ponds that cover the west end of the island, or more particularly the creatures that live there. In the 1830s thousands of flamingoes inhabited these ponds. The flamingoes are currently being reintroduced, which offers a great draw for tourists. Too great  a drwa, in fact, as scientist are trying to reduce the impact of tourism on the bird population. Photo by: kirihargie

Anegada is an island formed from coral and limestone, rather than volcanic rock. While the other islands from the chain are mountainous, Anegada is flat, rising to just 8.5m above sea level at the highest point. Extending south-east from the end of the island is the Horseshoe Reef. At 29 km long, it is the largest barrier reef in the Caribbean and the third largest on earth. Photo by: ktylerconk

Many toursist hire charter boats while visiting the Virgian Islands, but some yacht-hire companies forbid clients to sail to Anegada, because of the dangers running on its shallow reefs and on its ground levels. Many vessels have come unstuck there. There are many shipwrecks on the reefs, which make this perfect spot for scuba diving. Photo by: docoleg

When to go:December to August. Population: 200 (2001). How to get there: Fly to small Auguste George Airport or by ferry or private boat. You should know: If you intend to do any fishing you must buy a fishing permit. Photo by: M.X.M

Rangiroa is a breathtaking archipelago consisted of 78 low islands extends their surface area several hundred kilometers of the eastern Pacific around 200 km north of Tahiti. This is the second largest atoll in the world, the coral rim of an ancient volcano making tremendous  shallow inland sea with more than 240 islets or motu. The motu are separated by at least 100 shallow channels and three passes, two of which are big enough for ships to enter the lagoon. Photo by: suckmyclick AF

The lagoon waters are sparklingly clear and vary in colour form jade-green to purple, a real-surprise for first time visitors. The marine life there is truly astonishing, with over 400 varieties of rainbow-hued fish glinting in the iridescent waters among the brightly  coloured hard and soft corals, and the gently waving sea fans. The lagoon is understandably famous for its snorkelling and scuba diving, while outside the reefs there are amazing numbers sharks, barracuda and tuna along the walls of the drop-offs. Photo by: Pierre Lesage

The main villages in the archipelago are Avatoru and Tiputa, which offer the visitor a unique look at the South Pacific lifestyle, with their coral churches, craft centres, restaurants and tiny sympathetic shops. Tiputa is situated at the eastern end. Its picturesque houses are ringed with bleached coral and flowering hedges, and near by is the bird sanctuary on Motu Paio, well worth a visit. Photo by: Pierre Lesage

The Blue Lagoon at Taeo’o, an hour’s boat ride from the village of Avatoru is a natural pool of aquamarine water on the edge of the reef and probably one of the most idyllic places in the world. This is like a gigantic natural aquarium with wonderful colorful corals and numerous reef sharks. The surrounding motu are home to rare birds, featuring the Vini ultramarine parakeet. Photo by: Aktarus

When to go: June to October. Population: 3,400 (2007). How to get there: Fly to Tahiti or Bora Bora.

Photo by: hogie98105

Bora Bora is one of the most desirable and picturesque destinations in the world. Ultramodern Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is opening in 2008 and it is already moved to a #1 rating of 19 hotels on tripadvisor.com. 100 exotic overwater bungalows and 7 beachfront villas with private pools are immersing you in unique spirit of French Polynesia.

All of resort’s accommodations are designed with traditional thatched roofs, native teakwood and other Polynesian accents. This luxury resort offers a range of modern amenities such as marble bathrooms with separate tubs and showers and furnished terraces offer amazing views of the impossibly blue lagoon. There are four dining options, features a huge selection of culinary experiences. And full-equipment spa and fitness center which offers a combination of relaxation and recreational opportunities that only Bora Bora’s unique location can provide.
 

You can enjoy with vast variety of water sports including: fishing, kite-surf; sailing around the island on a deluxe catamaran; join a helicopter tour for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of Bora Bora’s multicolored lagoon. Also (if you don’t know) – Bora Bora is rated one of the best scuba diving spots in the world. There you will find extraordinary natural beauty and an abundance of sea life and tropical fish.

Hang gliding is an air sport in which a pilot flies a light and un-motorized foot-launchable aircraft called a hang glider. It allows you to own an aircraft that doesn’t require an expensive hangar or special pilot license. ?his is a very extreme experience. Hang gliding is one of the most exciting solutions for most people. You will have the unique sensation of flying, surrounded by beautiful mountains and beaches.

The training needed to get you flying solo is minimal. The basic techniques of hang gliding – launching, turning, and landing – are fairly easy to learn. The Health and Safety Executive says you have a one in 116,000 chance of dying during a hang-gliding flight. To put it in perspective, that’s roughly twice as dangerous as scuba diving.

There are plenty of spots to hang glide located all over the world. Utah is one of the places in the United States that features some of the best places to hang glide. For magnificent natural beauty nothing beats the Swiss Alps. New Zealand and Britain have their own associations, as do many other countries.

This is one of most pristine natural regions of the world. Eagle Island Camp is hidden from the world, deep within Okavango Delta, Botswana. The area offers a myriad waterways, vast flood plains and birdlife and mammal sightings. As one of the world’s premier bird-watching locations, Eagle Island Camp is the place of your nature experience. There are 11 luxury tents, and 1 private suite, all luxuriously appointed. Each of them has spacious wooden decks overlooking the lagoon. Furnished with easy chairs and a hammock, they’re offering great views over the surrounding floodplains. 

Attractions are geared towards exploring the area’s scenic and wildlife but the activities are dependent on the water levels. Between June and September when the water is high, Eagle Island Camp offers bird and game viewing by mokoro (dugout canoe), motorboats and walking trails. Activities include: Safari, Wildlife Game, Canoeing, Fishing, Photography, Cruise and dusk excursions in the 14-seater Sundowner cruiser, Swimming. The flying is avaible if you would like to watch the animals from the air, there is a inclusive helicopter safari.

The Gulf Islands are a group of mountainous islands situated across the Strait of Georgia between Vancouver Island and the mainland of southern British Columbia. They are part of a larger archipelago that features the San Juan Islands just to the south in Washington State. By the way the easiest way to get to is Saltspring Island – also well known as Canada’s arts and crafts island. Its mellow pace, breathtaking landscapes have drawn artists from all over the world. It has recently become the haunt of several Hollywood film stars.

The next island is Bucolic Mayne Island with medley of rock bays, forested hills and once the agriculture hub of the area. Saturna Island is tucked away at the southern end of the island chain. This one is very rural, sparsely populated and difficult to reach.

The Pender Islands, also emerged as the ”Friendly Islands” have over 20 public ocean access spots to visit along its beaches and coves. The Penders are great hotbed for outdoor activities. Galiano Island (displayed in the picture above) has always enjoyed a reputation for being the most welcoming to visitors. The early settlers opened their homes to tourists as a way of earning a living.

As a group the Gulf Islands are still underdeveloped and many of the best lodges and restaurants are hidden away down forests tracks.

When to go: All year round, although the islands are little crowded in summer.

]]> http://www.wayfaring.info/2009/06/18/gulf-islands/feed/ 0 http://www.wayfaring.info/2009/06/12/the-essence-of-the-maldives-%e2%80%93-baros-resort/ http://www.wayfaring.info/2009/06/12/the-essence-of-the-maldives-%e2%80%93-baros-resort/#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:14:16 +0000 Asya http://www.wayfaring.info/?p=10319  

The resort features luxurious 30 thatched-roof villas, with spacious verandas nestled on the sand. Only15 minutes from Male International Airport by speedboat, here you find excellent sandy beaches, surrounded by turquoise clear water and tropical coconut palms. The wooden villas are built on stilts in the sea, providing the ultimate Ocean romance.

Luxurious villas are created with natural materials such as wood, stone and coconut thatch. Some have outside lavish bathrooms in private gardens. Guestrooms boast chic fashionable interiors, well appointed with modern facility that promotes perfect place for travelers that want a magnificent holiday location.

The Baros Resort provide various activities: scuba diving – PADI certified, snorkeling on the reef with marine life, seaplane photo flight, big game fishing, private cruise on a traditional Maldivian boats – dhoni with a own staff. Also are available over-water restaurants, fashionable bars and fitness center. You can experience a total relax at the Aquum Spa Center which offers a range of health and beauty treatments.