Archive for July, 2010

Dusit to launch Bangkok – Pattaya Shuttle Service.

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At the foot of the Atlas, the walled city of Marrakech is a lush oasis where orange trees line the boulevards and birds twitter in fragrant gardens. 

A favourite retreat for royals and visitors, Marrakech has made substantial efforts in recent years to turn itself into Morocco’s greenest city. Princess Lalla Meryem, the king’s sister, invested much time and money to upgrade oases and parks and the people of Marrakech are hugely proud of their city.

Lawns, roses and citrus trees enhance the legendary red ramparts while here and lofty palms stand silhouetted against the blue sky. On the edge of town, the vast expanse of the Palmeraie is a delightful place to explore by horse drawn carriage but visitors will find some of Marrakech favourite oases and parks right at the heart of the city.

Marrakech Cyber Park and Koutoubia Islamic Gardens

The newly redesigned Cyber Park leads to the Koutoubia Mosque, a pleasant alternative to the busy avenue running alongside it. Computerised information points are scattered around the Cyber Park but its greatest assets are shade, greenery and cool white marble seats. There are flowering hedges, orange and olive trees, mimosa, pink almond blossom and neatly raked paths of bright red earth.

The nearby Koutoubia Islamic Gardens are at their best in the late afternoon when the scent of roses and orange blossom fills the air and the minaret glows red and gold in the setting sun.

Oases and the Royal Grounds of Menara and  Aguedal

Marrakech Menara Gardens claim vast olive groves south of town where sultans once entertained their concubines and occasionally tossed them into the lake if they failed to please. The large 12th century reservoir mirrors the restored pavilion, framed by the snowy Atlas in winter. Olives are harvested from October to January and there are dromedary rides and a couple of stalls selling drinks and snacks.

The royal grounds of the Aguedal Gardens are a lovely place to stroll in the shade among orchards and vineyards, glancing at artificial lakes where former sultans held fabulous parties. There are views of the Koutoubia and the Atlas by clear weather. Set at the back of the royal palace, the gardens are closed when the king is in residence.

Majorelle Islamic Garden: The Top Attraction in Morocco’s Greenest City

This small but unusual Islamic garden was designed by French artist Majorelle in the early 20th century and later restored by fashion designer and Marrakech resident Yves St Laurent. Following the traditional pattern, it unfolds like a painting with giant cacti and bamboo, palms, bougainvillea and a whole array of bright terracotta pots expressing an undisguised love of colour. There are fountains and pools, water channels and a beautiful lily pond with fabulous reflections, reminiscent of Monet’s Giverny Gardens.

Plants from the five continents are on display and the Majorelle Islamic Garden is a haven for birds. The house and museum are painted a rich Majorelle blue, contrasting with red soil and paved paths. The museum is dedicated to Yves St Laurent’s collection of Islamic Arts and well worth the extra entrance fee.

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2010 NBTA Convention & Expo Buy-Learn-Network – The Business Travel Event of the Year. Houston, August 8-11 Learn more

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The top restaurant on the line’s soon-to-debut Queen Elizabeth may charge by the plate — a rarity in the cruise world. (source: USATODAY) – Share on Twitter – Share on Facebook – RSS and RSS Feed on Feedzilla.com

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London Oxford Airport will shortly start work to create a further 17,800m2 (4.4 acres) of new high strength apron.

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Everyone knows that Las Vegas is the fun capital of the world. To be sure your Vegas vacation is everything you dreamed of and more, follow our guide on what NOT to do, from wearing painful shoes while trekking through the massive casinos to getting hitched at a drive-thru chapel.

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U to Open Hotel in Kanchanaburi in November 2010.

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Paris loves greenery and space and from the heart of the city to its outer fringes, visitors and locals find plenty to enjoy. The French capital is said to be Europe’s greenest city, devoting ¼ of its area to open spaces. Large or small, formal or informal, they embellish historical sites, stretch along the river Seine, take over ancient woodlands or disused railway tracks.

Paris gardens and parks are awarded a generous budget to provide wonderful oases for everyone. Sitting on the lawns is not always allowed but in these peaceful havens filled with colour and fragrance, no one seems to mind. Garden tours lasting around three hours are available.

Luxembourg Gardens

On the left bank of the Seine, the Luxembourg gardens boast 350 000 flowers and shrubs and are the largest within the city. Romantic couples stroll under the trees, men play chess, others read or watch the world go by while families head for the puppet show.

There are fountains and lots of statues, including French Queens, St Genevieve, patron of Paris, and a mini Statue of Liberty. An inexpensive café serves refreshments in the shade and model boats sail across the pond, barely disturbing the lovely reflections of the Luxembourg Palace, now housing the Senate. The Parisians owe their favourite oasis to Queen Marie de Médicis who commissioned palace and gardens in the 17th century in the style of her native Tuscany.

Jardin des Tuileries

The Tuileries palace did not survive a turbulent past but the Jardin des Tuileries is sheer delight, part of the central axis linking the Louvre Museum to the Concorde Square along the Seine. The park was designed by Le Notre who created the fabled gardens of Versailles.

Formal lawns and flower beds are enhanced by water features and sculptures, some by well known French artists Maillol and RodinThe southern terrace offers superb views over the river. The Jardin des Tuileries is home to two art museums, including the Musée de l’Orangerie displaying works by Claude Monet.

Bois de Vincennes

On the eastern edge of Paris, the Bois de Vincennes was landscaped by Baron Haussman, the architect of 19th century Paris. Admiring London’s public parks, Haussman turned the old royal hunting ground into informal gardens, retaining the woodlands to bring the countryside to the city’s doorstep.

Nearly three times the size of Central Park in New York, the Bois de Vincennes is crisscrossed by jogging, riding and cycling trails and includes four lakes, a castle, a zoo and a Buddhist temple, built for a colonial exhibition and still in use.

The Bois de Vincennes attracts bird watchers, families who picnic in the shade and couples in search of romance. There are rowing boats, exhibitions about the natural world and a Floral Park which is the pride and joy of every Parisian.

Inspired to visit the City of Light? Don’t forget to check out our collection of luxury hotels in Paris…

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PricewaterhouseCoopers U.S. travel leader Lori O’Connell in this guest column shares plans for mobile and social technology in her program, and issues her peers a call to action. One of the…

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With hundreds of choices, almost everyone can find a cruise …Read Full Post (source: About) – Share on Twitter – Share on Facebook – RSS and RSS Feed on Feedzilla.com

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