03 February 2025

I recently had the incredible opportunity to escape to Vagaru Island in the breathtaking Shaviyani Atoll, and I had to share every moment of my experience at the JW Marriott Maldives Resort. This beautiful getaway is just a short 55-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport, but it felt like a world away! I was immediately enveloped by luxury and tranquillity as I stepped into my villa. The stunning private plunge pool, surrounded by lush greenery, made it feel like I had my own slice of paradise. I spent hours lounging on the deck, soaking up the sun, and listening to the soothing sound of the waves lapping against the shore. Each meal at the resort felt like a culinary journey. With five restaurants featuring cuisines from around the globe, every bite was a delightful surprise. I loved the Japanese restaurant; the fresh sushi and the vibrant atmosphere were unforgettable. The highlight for me was dining at the Thai Treehouse. As I savoured the incredible flavours, I watched the sunset over the ocean—a memory I’ll cherish forever. Travelling with my daughter made this trip even more special. While I enjoyed some time at the Spa by JW, she had an absolute blast at the Little Griffins Kids Club, making new friends and engaging in exciting activities. It was heartwarming to see her so happy, and it allowed me to indulge in some much-needed self-care. One of the best experiences was snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters. Swimming alongside gentle sea turtles and playful dolphins felt surreal. There’s something magical about connecting with nature in such a vibrant underwater world. These are moments that I’ll carry close to my heart. My days were a blissful mix of lounging on the pristine beaches, swimming in turquoise waters, and enjoying the peaceful ambience of the resort. I took time to reflect, recharge, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. It was a much-needed retreat after a busy year, and the serenity of the Maldives was the perfect antidote. Every moment at JW Marriott Maldives felt like a beautiful dream. I left with a heart full of memories and a promise to return. If you ever find yourself yearning for an escape, this resort is truly magical. I can’t wait to share more about my adventures on my page!

25 November 2024

When you're in the mood for an adventure off the typical tourist trail… If you’ve already explored Oman and Sri Lanka and are pondering your next long weekend getaway, fear not - we have some great suggestions! Living in Dubai opens a world of travel possibilities, with many destinations just a four-hour flight away, encompassing a third of the globe's population. Why not seize the opportunity to uncover some hidden gems that are equally captivating? Here are 10 remarkable destinations to consider for your next escape: 1. Salalah, Oman Flight Time: 2 hours Why Visit? While Muscat and Musandam are popular weekend getaways, journey down the coast to uncover a lush oasis with cooler temperatures, ideal for escaping Dubai’s heat. Surrounded by desert, Salalah boasts stunning white sandy beaches and fertile banana and papaya plantations that offer a tropical atmosphere. 2. Baku, Azerbaijan Flight Time: 3 hours Why Visit? Known as the “architectural love child” of Paris and Dubai, Baku dazzles with its unique modern structures alongside historic sites in its UNESCO-listed Old City. Explore quirky attractions like the Museum of Miniature Books and the Carpet Museum for a delightful experience. 3. Yerevan, Armenia Flight Time: 3 hours Why Visit? Known as the “pink city” due to its rose-coloured stone architecture, Yerevan is steeped in history, representing one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Its rich culture blends the past with a vibrant contemporary scene, making it a must-visit. 4. Doha, Qatar Flight Time: 1 hour *Why Visit?* This rising destination has transformed into a cultural hub with its Opera House, the stunning Museum of Islamic Art, and bustling souks that offer a taste of traditional Qatari life fused with modernity. 5. Muscat, Oman Flight Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Why Visit? While already known, Muscat provides sweeping landscapes, beautiful beaches, and a friendly atmosphere. Explore the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and take a leisurely trip along the coast for exceptional views. 6. Tbilisi, Georgia Flight Time: 3 hours 30 minutes Why Visit? Known for its diverse architecture and vibrant arts scene, Tbilisi boasts a fascinating mix of cultures. Wander through the historic Old Town, soak in the sulfur baths, and try local wines for a unique experience. 7. Amman, Jordan Flight time: 3 hours 15 minutes Why visit? Jordan might be best known for its ancient city of Petra, but you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained in the thriving capital. Rainbow Street is a popular hangout, with lots of great cafes, restaurants and shops. Or for more historical vibes, you can check out the striking Roman Theatre, which dates back to the second century. 8. Sofia, Bulgaria Flight Time: 4 hours Why Visit? A less-talked-about gem in Europe, Sofia is rich in history and culture. Discover ancient ruins, visit the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and enjoy the blend of Eastern and Western influences on the city's food scene. 9. Dushanbe, Tajikistan Flight Time: 3 hours 30 minutes Why Visit? This hidden capital showcases stunning natural beauty and Soviet-era architecture. Explore its vibrant bazaars, lush parks, and the impressive Ismaili Center to taste Central Asia’s unique heritage. 10. Larnaca, Cyprus Flight time: 4 hours 15 minutes Why visit? The island is split into Turkish and Greek halves, which means you can dip into two separate cultures in one trip. If you’re into diving, in Larnaca be sure to check out the Zenobia shipwreck – it’s said to be one of the best dive sites in the world. So pack your bags and prepare to add more adventures to your travel story!

10 March 2024

Abu Dhabi has recently become my favourite place for short family getaways and relaxing staycations. Please find below my Top Picks of the best resorts in Abu Dhabi: 1. Jumeirah Saadiyat I love Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort for the family staycations. My friends usually choose this resort for their vacation in Dubai and we are coming there to meet them up. It is only a 1.5-hour drive from Dubai as it sits on the island's prime beach, offering a backdrop of peaceful luxury island life. We enjoyed their comfortable modern and light rooms featuring expansive sea views. I loved the white-sandy beachline and turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf. Kids club and splash pad are great for the younger kids. 2. W Abu Dhabi Yas Island What I loved the most about W Yas Abu Dhabi was the funky, stylish and cool vibes, great quality of F&B, futuristic interiórs of the hotel and views on F1 Track, and great service. And of course, the best part was that we got complimentary access to Seaworld Abu Dhabi and had a great experience with the marine underwater life, watching dolphins, penguins, walruses, sea lions sharks and all kinds of fishes. Kids enjoyed Seaworld Theme Parks with its exciting rollercoasters and cool modern playgrounds. 3. St. Regis Saadiyat Another stunning resort on Saadiyat that we enjoyed so much during our incentive trip to Abu Dhabi -St. Regis Saadiya. I would recommend it for those who are looking for luxurious accommodation, the highest level of service and the best white sandy beach in UAE- Saadiyat, the so-called Maldives of the UAE because of its turquoise waters. What is unique about that resort - The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi has 5 pools, including a 25-metre indoor lap pool. Its Iridium spa has 12 treatment rooms. Guests can play a game of tennis or browse the boutiques of the shopping area. The Sandcastle Club offers indoor and outdoor activities for children. There are 6 restaurants and bars offering a variety of cuisines including Modern Greek, South East Asian and Mediterranean dishes. 4. Rosewood Abu Dhabi Connected to Galena Mall, Rosewood Abu Dhabi is a unique luxury hotel delivering great service both for leisure and business travellers. Rosewood Abu Dhabi’s 8 restaurants and lounges offer distinctive dining experiences for guests. Enjoy authentic dining of worldwide cuisines, relish in a cigar or a glass of wine at La Cava, or savour a refreshing drink at Glo or Hidden Bar. During my stay, I enjoyed our comfortable room featuring amenities including an iPad® room navigation system, media centre with 55” flat-screen TV, oversized Villeroy & Boch tub and Pratesi Egyptian cotton linen. The highlight for us was an iconic outdoor swimming pool decorated in a very stylish contemporary design where we had a great time relaxing. 5. Anantara Sir Baniyas The Anantara Sir Banyas consists of three accommodation options on Sir Bani Yas island- Desert Islands Resort, beach villas at Anantara Al Yamm and Safari-style villas at Anantara Sahel in Savannah. Apart from the luxurious accommodations and amazing restaurants, the resort offered a unique family experience. We took a 4x4 Safari Jeep with a qualified guide to drive around stunning Sir Banyas Island and explore the wildlife. I couldn’t even imagine you could find giraffes, deers, gazelles, Oryx, peacocks and cheetahs walking freely in Savannah. It felt like we were in an African safari..

26 December 2023

1. St. Petersburg, Russia Since my native city is located just 500 miles from the Arctic Circle, the winters are usually dark and chilly there. The winter season here lasts from late November to March. The rivers and canals freeze throughout this period and start melting only during the long-awaited spring The St Petersburg Winter temperatures can go as low as -8*C. That does not mean that you can not enjoy your vacation life even in the extremely chilled weather, I just came back from my festive trip and I can tell that was a magical experience during Christmas, when the whole city is illuminated with colourful lights. That is what I recommend you to do - festive shopping on Nevsky Avenue, the amazing Christmas market on Maneznaya Square, the traditional Christmas ballet Nutcracker at Mariinsky Theatre, snow family-fun activities in the countryside (better take chalet with a fireplace), plus you have a great variety of theatres, art galleries, museums and unique restaurants in the city. 2. Finland, Rovaniemi From husky rides to hunting the Northern Lights, we are here to offer you most importantly one thing - pure joy. Experience the magic of Lapland in our two destinations: Rovaniemi, known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, and Ylläs, which is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of big cities. What about floating between the ice blocks under the sky full of stars, riding a snowmobile through snowy forests or meeting our furry friends for husky safari in the wilderness? 3. Iceland With its glassy glaciers, hot thermal springs, spectacular geysers, active volcanoes, lava fields, stunning waterfalls and snow-capped mountains, Iceland is the original ‘land of fire and ice’. The second largest island in Europe, Iceland lies close to the Arctic Circle northwest of Scotland and south of Greenland, and it is primarily the unique and wonderful natural phenomena that draw visitors to the country. 4. Germany, Dusseldorf Düsseldorf in Advent is an exciting mix of Christmas markets and shopping, especially around the Königsallee where the Sternchenmarkt and five other theme markets lead the way along the most popular shopping streets in Düsseldorf. Christmas Market opens its "gingerbread houses" not far from the Königsallee. On the Gustaf-Gründgens-Platz you will find a giant outdoor ice rink offering fun for all the family. 5. French Alps Embrace the winter season with a snowy escape to Val Thorens Sensation in the French Alps, 15 minutes from the most famous ski resort Courchevel. This chic all-inclusive resort is one of Club Med’s highest altitude ski destinations at 2,300 meters and it offers some of the best winter sports in the world. A ski lift located at the heart of the resort will give you direct access to the Three Valleys domain, featuring 600km of slopes to explore. 6. China Escape to a picture-postcard winter wonderland at Yabuli China Club Med, an all-inclusive resort promising a dreamy getaway with special offers from now until the end of April 2020. With your ski pass and ski lessons included, take off on an alpine adventure as you explore the white peaks of the Yabuli Merge, offering 20 miles of runs across stunning mountains peppered with pine forests. 7. Japan Be amazed by the beauty of Sahoro Hokkaido, a boutique family resort set at the foot of powder-soft ski slopes on Japan’s second-largest main island. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, all-day gourmet dining, dedicated children’s clubs and after-ski activities for all ages on an all-inclusive holiday of a lifetime. Savour the Japanese lifestyle, from traditional hot tubs to delicate tea ceremonies, and indulge in ‘nabe’, a family-style soup recipe unique to the island of Hokkaido.

27 August 2023

For our school summer holidays, I picked Thailand Phuket as it is the best place for active kids 7+ years old to explore and experience the wildlife. Even though I knew there would be a rainy season, I thought that we would enjoy after the Dubai heat the island greenery, fresh air, and amazing flora and fauna afterwards. It turned out to be the right choice. We stayed in JW Marriott Mai Khao as it is a great 5-star family-friendly resort located on the unspoiled beach area of Mai Khao Beach. It features 3 outdoor pools, including a kids' pool with a waterslide and freshwater swimming pool. The resort offers a great variety of restaurants- 11 dining options - amazing buffet breakfast is served at Marriott Café, which also has an all-day international menu. Gourmet sandwiches and pastries can be enjoyed at Siam Deli. Other restaurants include Thai, Japanese, Italian and a steakhouse. Bars at each of the resort pools provide refreshments. I would recommend Benihana's live teppanyaki cooking show- such great family entertainment as the chef is cooking on a live fire right in front of you and making a wonderful show for the kids. We could choose from a wide range of recreational activities, such as yoga and cooking classes and Muay Thai, an on-site turtle shelter, an award-winning spa as well as a 24-hour gym and games room. My daughter loved the kids club with its exciting variety of daily activities such as arts and crafts, treasure hunts, kids zumba and many more. Apart from enjoying the resort we wanted to explore the island adventures. Here is my top list of the most exciting activities we tried: Elephant Care Phuket Phuket Elephant Care emphasizes a healthy, and stress-free environment for our elephants. The tranquil and beautiful location is surrounded by fruitful forests and natural mud and pools which are very likely to be elephant habitats. First, we learned about elephants, then prepared seasonal fruits for them and fed them from the hand. After feeding we moved to the mud pool where we scrubbed elephants with mud and prepared them for a nice bath in the lake nearby. Washing those giant and friendly elephants was so much fun as they were splashing us with water from their trunks. Great fun guaranteed. Island hopping tours by speedboat What could be more exciting than a speedboat ride through the crystal clear waters between the tropical islands of Thailand? We visited islands such as James Bond Island, and Phang Nga Bay, where we enjoyed snorkelling, canoeing in the mangroves or sunbathing on secluded beaches. Fantasea Show Phuket Loved so much Phuket FantaSea which is a Thai nighttime cultural theme park located on the island of Phuket, in the south of the country. The park covers an area of 60 acres and includes a Thai culture theatrical show, a theme buffet restaurant, and a shopping street. So happy we had so many adventures as a family and those special memories will stay with us forever!

17 May 2023

Well, I was visiting Qatar in early 2023, once all the furore of the World Cup has calmed down, you’re left to enjoy the beaches, water sports and theme parks as you like. Honestly, I was amazed by the new developments of the FIFA World Cup at the Lusail Stadium are turning Doha into a major tourist destination. They join a rich array of iconic museums, superb restaurants, thrilling desert adventures and world-famous events. Check out my Top picks that you would recommend when visiting Qatar 1. The Pearl Qatar My favourite part of Qatar was definitely The Pearl Qatar. It is a fascinating man-made island on four million sqm of reclaimed land. Known for its hotels, charming cafes and restaurants, iconic marina and luxury boutiques, it is a popular residential area, with a lavish community lifestyle. I would recommend taking about ride down the canals to enjoy the beautiful skyline from the water. 2. Banana Island This crescent-shaped little island in the Persian Gulf off Doha offers a whole different side of Qatar that people often don’t think about. Covering 13 hectares and boasting its own marina and reefs, it’s now home to the Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, with Maldivian-style overwater villas and golden sands. Visitors not booked into the resort can go there for a day trip; there are catamaran ferries from Dhow Harbour near the Museum of Islamic Arts or private yacht transfers. Day passes include lunch, beach towels and an activity. 3. Doha Corniche Explore Doha. The 8km curving Corniche is a great way to get your bearings, and you can also set sail on the Gulf in a traditional dhow, once used for pearl fishing, dive to shipwrecks from Downtown Doha itself, paddleboard, sail and kayak – tours by the latter can take you to hidden sandbanks and beaches. 4. Museums in Doha Doha’s landmark buildings include the Msheireb Quarter, Education City and the Museum of Islamic Art on its artificial island, with the world’s largest collection of Muslim art. Another must-see is the Jean Nouvel-designed National Museum of Qatar, inspired by a ‘desert rose’ (multilayered crystals that form in salty sand), showcasing the history of Qatar from prehistoric times. 5. Theme parks and Entertainment Immersive 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum and Quest Doha theme park with the world's tallest indoor rollercoaster. while the previous year saw the opening of the extensive Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park.

20 June 2022

Seychelles - for lovers of perfect beaches Get the picture-perfect family holiday in Seychelles and choose from the following activities: 1. Taste the national Creole cuisine - pwason ek diri (rice with fish), bourgeois fish, trululu crabs and much more. Rice and fish are the main participants in the Seychelles cuisine, and they are also suitable for a children's menu - they will be both tasty and healthy! I also recommend that you enjoy a family dinner at Takamaka Island, where the children will have the opportunity to watch the dolphins that swim up to the coast in the evening. 2. The program of active family holidays on the islands are diverse - diving in the lagoon among colourful fish, watching amazing birds in the jungle and, of course, giant land turtles. 3. Go on a glass-bottom boat trip. You may be able to observe green turtles in their natural habitat. And they are waiting for you - diving, kayaking, paddleboarding - and all this in the azure transparent waters of the Indian Ocean. Little moments like these make up a dream vacation! The Maldives - for ocean lovers Everyone knows that the Maldives is an island paradise for honeymooners and romantic getaways, however, these islands are also ideal for families with young children. Just imagine - blue turquoise water, white and soft sandy beach, delicious food, fresh fruits and juices, believe me - your child will appreciate it too. 1. Snow-white beaches and the purest azure ocean, sunny weather almost all year round. 2. Huge range of hotels to choose from budget to luxury, it all depends on your travel budget. 3. Great hotel kids clubs to keep your kids entertained - treasure hunting on the beach, painting, crafts, football, volleyball, kids disco, pool games, water slides and more 4. Family activities - coral reef snorkelling, scooters, water skiing, diving, dolphin watching, fishing, traditional wooden boat ride, submarine tour, movie under the stars on the beach, glass-bottom boat ride. My bestsellers are Atmosphere Kanifushi, Oblu Select Sangeli, Ozen Life Maadho, Ozen Bolifushi, Lux South Ari Atoll, Oblu Helengeli, Kurumba, Bandos, Kandima Maldives, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, Sun Siyam World, Anantara Dhigu, ClubMed Kani, Six Senses Laamu, Soneva Jani Mauritius - for active adventurers Mauritius is much more than perfect beaches and turquoise waters. Here you will find a wealth of cultural heritage and a variety of activities for all ages. What could be better than having an adventure for the whole family? 1. Glass bottom boat ride and snorkelling. Go for a walk in the Turtle Bay Marine Sanctuary, which is just 3 kilometres from the hotel. Your children will surely enjoy the many varieties of corals and fish living in harmony in this underwater paradise. Kayak competitions. Kayaking is a great pastime with the family. Why not add some adrenaline and compete with each other? 2. World of Adventures in Casela Park. This park will be of interest to any child, whether you just want to be with tamed animals, or get some adrenaline. It has everything from zip-lines and rides on segways, quad bikes and cars to walks with lions, feeding giraffes, farming with pets and fishing. 3. Culinary master class. We're sure that cooking a few Mauritian dishes on your own can be the best memory you'll take home with you, so put on your apron and join the cooking class with the whole family. Thailand for a never-boring vacation You will be surprised how easy a family holiday in Thailand can be. With a tropical climate and fantastic scenery - beaches, mountains and jungles - Thailand provides opportunities for everything from action-packed adventure to relaxation. 1. Bangkok Explore the bustling Thai capital on a modern subway or take a canal boat ride across Bangkok. Bangkok has a lot to offer families with children of all ages, including attractions such as Kidzania, Bounce Inc Bangkok, Dream World Bangkok and Funarium. Visiting temples The sheer size and intricate details of many of the temples (wats) in Bangkok will captivate children. There they will be able to get an idea of the culture and practice of Buddhism, the main religion of Thailand. Be sure to visit Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), on the territory of the Grand Palace; Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) with its 15m high, 43m Buddha; and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), which sits on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and offers spectacular sunset views Exotic Wildlife You should definitely visit the elephant sanctuaries located in northern Thailand with your children. Children will love this unique opportunity to join in feeding and bathing the elephants, as well as watching them interact with their family groups in their natural habitat. There are options for day or night visits. Island tours by speedboat What could be more exciting than a speedboat ride through the crystal clear waters between the tropical islands of Thailand? You can visit islands such as Koh Phi Phi, Phuket and Koh Samui, where you will certainly enjoy snorkelling, canoeing, or sunbathing on secluded beaches. For James Bond fans, the Phang Nga Bay Tour featured in The Man with the Golden Gun is not to be missed! Ziplining Are your kids unable to sit still? Invite them to fly like monkeys through the treetops. Ziplining in the Thai jungle with its many slides and suspension bridges is an exciting adventure where you can even see gibbons and other wild animals as you fly over amazing scenery. Sri Lanka - for lovers of nature and the green jungle Snorkel or dive in Hikkaduwa National Park with its incredible marine life and rocky islets, especially the famous coral gardens. Hikkaduwa Beach is a popular reef-protected spot and therefore offers shallow water ideal for children. While sailing, you will be able to meet turtles and dolphins, as well as take a glass-bottom boat trip to see them. 2. Safari in Yala National Park Yala National Park is located in the southeastern region of the country and is located in the southern province of Uva. The park occupies a vast territory of 979 sq. km. Yala Park is best known for its wildlife diversity and has been established to conserve Sri Lankan elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and deer. Turtle Farm You will get a chance to participate in the daily ritual of releasing the turtles into the great ocean (a very touching sight).

23 November 2021

Thailand was on my bucket list for quite a long time until my bestie offered me a girls trip to Phuket. It sounded like a great idea so we started the travel planning. For the accommodation, we chose Novotel Phuket on Patong beach. The hotel was nice, rooms tidy and well-maintained. I loved the layout of the resort-it was on top of the hill so we had a fabulous view of the surroundings. Of all the 4 star hotels located near Patong beach, Novotel Phuket Resort stands out as having the best sea view. Perfectly situated on the green hills above Kalim Bay, Patong Beach, Novotel Phuket is the resort of choice for anyone looking to escape everyday life for some much-needed peace of mind. Novotel Patong’s serene as it is overlooking the island’s lush landscape and exotic gardens, and with a perfect view of the most breathtaking sunsets on Phuket, this resort provides a great getaway right in the heart of the island’s most exciting attractions.-street cafes, restaurants, bars, public beaches and promenades including that famous Bangla road where you can find lots of exotic Thai entertainment. For the flight, we booked Emirates Airlines direct flight to Phuket as it was the most convenient way to get to Thailand with a decent level of comfort. Being active travellers we couldn't stay at the resort for long though the swimming pool was great, so we decided to explore the Phuket island. Being a fan of The Beach novel, I was dreaming about visiting famous Phi Phi Island. So we took off by speedboat adventure from Phuket, zooming over the rolling waves at high speeds, and reached Koh Phi Phi. Our professional guide showed us top natural attractions including James Bond Island, Bamboo Island, Maya Bay, and Rang Yai Island. We soaked up the sunshine on remote beaches with time for swimming, snorkelling and having a delicious lunch that was included. Another great day trip was to Similan islands -the bounty islands of Thailand. The Similan Islands are situated in the Andaman Sea on the West Coast of Southern Thailand, The Similan archipelago consists of eleven islands that are the perfect travel destination for travellers t that like to dive and explorer remote and desolated places full of wildlife. The largest island is Koh Similan and is probably the best place to start your adventure, surrounded by crystal clear shallow waters and spectacular coral reefs. The marine life around the Islands is unmatched in the whole of Thailand. Overall we had a very exciting girls trip and I wish we had more time to explore things like zip-lining, hiking and much more!

04 September 2021

St. Petersburg, the second-largest city in Russia, is often called - Window to Europe, the Cultural Capital of Russia, for a good reason -the city possesses so many attractions - famous museums, opera and drama theatres, magnificent palaces, parks and monuments. The literary and musical heritage of St. Petersburg is simply outstanding - the number of writers, poets and composers who were creating their masterpieces on its shores is incredible - Pushkin, Dostoevsky, Esenin, Rachmaninoff and many more. St. Petersburg is also called a “city of bridges” as is located on 68 rivers, canals and channels crossing the city in different directions, forming 42 islands on its territory. Now in St. Petersburg and its suburbs, there are 580 bridges, including 20 drawbridges. Entry requirements: • International flights to and from Dubai have resumed (through Moscow) • UAE citizens and residents can enter the Russian Federation if arriving on a direct flight from their country of nationality/residence. • The Consular Section of the Embassy fully resumes issuing visas from 10 September 2020. Please book an appointment to apply for a visa: http://abu-dhabi.kdmid.ru/. • Foreign citizens can apply for a Russian visa in the UAE only if they have UAE permanent residence permits. • Please note that UAE citizens can enter Russia and stay there for up to 90 days each period of 180 days. Other foreign citizens should check the list of visa-free regime countries: https://uae.mid.ru/web/uae-en/visa-free-regime. • For all foreign citizens entering the Russian Federation, it will be possible only upon presenting a negative COVID-19 test issued within 3 days before the date of departure. • Every passenger has to show a printed medical document (in English or Russian), confirming a negative PCR test for COVID-19, at the check-in and then at the border of the Russian Federation. Passengers without the printed medical document will be refused to board. • If the medical document is in another language, it should be translated into Russian and certified by the respective Russian Consulate (please, consult such Consulate in advance). • All passengers on board should fill in a dedicated questionnaire (this will be provided by the airlines). Airlines: until the direct flight is restored, you can fly Emirates Airlines to Moscow and then S7 to St. Petersburg (60 minutes flight) When to arrive: May, June, July, August and September are considered the best times to visit St. Petersburg. May holidays, summer and winter holidays are considered the high season in St. Petersburg. The most popular season is from mid-May to September when the legendary St. Petersburg White Nights season begins. At this time, annual traditional and world-famous events are held: Scarlet Sails, Sensation, Geek Picnic and many other interesting city events. Weather: The weather in the northern capital is changeable even in summer. No wonder the city is called the Venice of the North. In summer, it often rains and thunderstorms, there are cold snaps, and they come suddenly. I recommend keeping your umbrella and a jacket handy, even if the morning is sunny and does not portend a thunderstorm. Season of the White Nights "White nights" in St. Petersburg is a unique natural phenomenon when evening and morning merge into light smoky twilight. The beginning of the white nights is considered to be May 25, the end - July 17. In total, they last 55 days. "White Nights" is a business card of the city on the Neva. During this period, many tourists from different parts of Russia and the world come to the Northern capital. The lightest nights are observed from June 11 to July 2. Must see: 1. Climb the colonnade of St. Isaac's Cathedral to get a city panoramic view 2. Getting lost in the Hermitage - a museum so large that it is unlikely that there is a St. Petersburg local who has visited all of its halls. 3. Listen to an opera in one of the three halls of the Mariinsky Theater. 4. Watch the opening of the Palace Bridge i 5. Throw a coin for a bit of good luck to the bronze bird named Chizhik-Pyzhik on the Fontanka river 6. Go to the impressionist exhibition General Staff Building 7. Take a boat trip down the rivers and canals of the "Venice of the North" 8. Chill out and dine in the new fashionable surrounding "New Holland Island" 9. Visit Russian Versaille -the Royal Peterhof with its stunning fountains What to bring as the souvenir: amber, hand-painted jewellery boxes, Faberge, furs, downy shawl, Khokhloma wooden dishes, porcelain, matryoshkas, caviar, paintings by local artists.

14 June 2020

We are so lucky to live in the UAE and to have the luxury of staying at the most glamorous and luxurious hotels In the world. Being UAE residents, we got used to having weekend getaways and enjoying our short breaks. Check out my top picks of the most trusted and unique staycations across the country, that should not be missed. 1. Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Ras Al Khaimah Luxury in the UAE knows no bounds, and the villa suites at this Ras Al Khaimah resort are no exception. Inspired by traditional Bedouin tents, each villa offers its pool, deck overlooking the desert, a spacious lounge area and a bathroom with floor-to-ceiling windows. The beauty of the Arabian desert has been a secret of the Bedouins for thousands of years. Now, visitors can experience its tranquillity, picturesque scenery and rich culture at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert. The luxury resort combines pampering services with opportunities to discover the land and the people, creating an unforgettable experience for the entire family. 2. Intercontinental Fujairah The InterContinental Fujairah Resort is located on the shoreline of the exquisite Al Aqah Beach and beneath the spectacular backdrop of the Hajjar Mountains. Spread over 69 acres of land, the resort features 190 stylish guest rooms and suites with expansive balconies offering uninterrupted views across the ocean. My friends and I decided to take kids to the Indian Ocean Fujairah over the spring break. Kids got excited as the new adventure was calling. It took us exactly 1.5 hours from Dubai to reach Fujairah by the new highway Khorfakkan- a scenic mountain road. I recommended to my friends to stay at Intercon as I got only positive feedback from my clients earlier about that property. And indeed it is a very cosy family resort in contemporary style just right on the Indian Ocean coast. We loved our spacious, comfortable room with the amazing Ocean view with all the necessary amenities Resort offers 3 swimming pools - an Infinity pool, a family pool and adults only. The tennis court and football pitch are available The best restaurant we visited was Drift with their speciality- Catch of the Day- that red snapper was incredible Kids and teens clubs were available to entertain kids of different ages with various games and even an Outdoor Cinema. The beach was large, clean equipped with sun beds and umbrellas offering a great variety of water sports We took the kids on the boat trip and they were very happy to explore the islands around. I would recommend this resort mostly for families with kids, active couples or groups of friends 3. Anantara Sir Baniyas Abu Dhabi The Anantara Sir Banyas consists of three accommodation options on Sir Bani Yas island- Desert Islands Resort, beach villas at Anantara Al Yamm and Safari-style villas at Anantara Sahel in Savannah. Apart from the luxurious accommodations and amazing restaurants, the resort offered us a truly unique family experience. We took a 4x4 Safari Jeep with a qualified guide to drive around stunning Sir Banyas Island and explore the wildlife. I couldn’t even imagine you could find there- giraffes, deers, gazelles, Oryx, peacocks and even cheetahs walking freely in Savannah. It felt like we were in an African safari.. well.. that’s on the bucket list, now we have training before we go for the Big Game Drive with our little adventurer. 4.. Kingfisher Lodge Sharjah The beauty of the pristine beach and Indian Ocean waters is matched perfectly by refined interiors in soft beiges, blues and desert browns. Savour the tranquillity as you kayak through mangroves, watch sea turtles hatch, nest and swim, and catch a glimpse of many rare bird species and the wildlife that all define Khor Kalba as a globally important wetland. Kingfisher Lodge Kalba also offers a complimentary boat transfer between Kingfisher Island & Mainland. 5.. Al Maha Resort Dubai Al Maha Resort is nestled deep within Dubai’s golden dunes and magical desert landscape in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, playing a vital role in its conservation. This unique resort showcases the heritage and architecture of the Bedouins, with beautiful tented villas each with its private pool gazing out over the rolling dunes and indigenous Arabian wildlife. Enjoy unique desert activities, as the property offers two daily complimentary desert-themed outings as part of your stay. Activities are split between the morning and afternoon and include falconry, horse riding and archery. 6. Oberoi Al Zorah Ajman Al Zorah is a unique, luxury destination in Ajman, with long, white sand beaches, azure lagoons and lush, green mangroves. Nestled within 247 acres (one million square metres) of protected forest, Al Zorah boasts exceptional biodiversity and is home to almost sixty species of bird and a fish nursery. Al Zorah also offers a championship golf course, kayaking and much more. The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah has spacious rooms and suites with private terraces, while the villas have private, temperature-controlled pools. In the hotel's chic indoor and al fresco restaurants, guests can enjoy the finest, nutritional, international cuisine while taking in panoramic ocean vistas. I was lucky enough to experience that luxury myself and would recommend to all my customers who are looking for a peaceful and beautiful getaway to reconnect with themselves and their loved ones

20 January 2020

With 2021 arrival, our my team and I came up with the 21 destinations that you should be considering for your travels next year. These destinations reflect the feelings we’re all having towards travel at the minute with many of us seeing the new year as an opportunity to fulfil our wanderlust and throw ourselves into new experiences that have been off-limits for so long now, whilst others remain cautious, preferring to travel closer to home exploring the UAE-based destinations that made our list. Here are our my favorite picks out of our list of 21 destinations for 2021 travel. 1. Porto/Douro Valley, Portugal Why? Portugal has truly great food, freshest seafood, fine wine, scenic views, perfect weather and reasonable prices. Must do: Hand-painted azulezu tiles that you can find all over Porto, cruise through the Douro Valley and visit wineries. 2. Mexico Why? Amazingly beautiful nature, sunny warm climate throughout the year, delicious food, lots of places of interest to explore. Mexico’s Riviera Maya is the long strip of famed white-sand coastline stretching south from Cancun. A tourism hotspot, there are many premium resorts to choose from, and many feature pool suites or swim-up rooms. Must do: I would recommend to visit stunning Rosewood Mayakoba has a deserved reputation as one of the best hotels in the region. Its open-plan suites are particularly spacious and set beachfront, with ocean views or overlooking the beauty of Mayakoba’s winding lagoon and lush mangrove jungle. Choose the Deluxe Overwater Lagoon Suite for a unique overwater setting and outdoor lounge terrace with heated plunge pool, garden shower and private boat dock. 3. Thailand Why? Delicious Thai food, sunny and warm climate, beautiful lush greenery, lots of fun things to do Must do: For those who haven’t visited Elephant Hills, we dare you. Elephant Hills comprises a collection of luxury canvas African-style safari tents, with wooden flooring, private western-style bathrooms and solid roof structures. Here, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your leisure, dive into the lake’s 28°C waters, hop into a private canoe, and get up close and personal with the camp’s gentle Asian elephants in a responsible way. 4. Cape Town, South Africa Why? Because of the extraordinary ocean views and amazing botanical gardens, this metropolis is one of the most attractive places to visit all year round. Who's it for? Cape Town is attractive for family trips, and active tourists and adventurers. Located in the nearby wine region of Stellenbosch, known for its wine pinotage. Must-do: Visit Table Mountain, which offers stunning views of the city, the Atlantic Ocean and, if you look south, the Cape of Good Hope. Also, stroll through the luxurious Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. 5. Bariloche/Patagonia, Argentina Why? Bariloche, the northern part of Patagonia, is famous for its picturesque lakes and is well suited for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, golf and water sports. Who's it for? For those who prefer outdoor recreation, hiking and cycling, rock climbing, water sports, and skiing in the summer. Must-do: Hike on the Perito Moreno Glacier 6.. Sri Lanka, a stunning island surrounded by dense jungles and mountains framed by sandy beaches, is one of the most interesting places in the Indian Ocean. Why? It is worth visiting Sri Lanka once to fall in love with it once and for all. Must do: Jeep safari at Yala National Park, visit Fort Galle and purchase natural cosmetics, jewellery, leather goods, take a train ride on the famous 9 arch bridge, release sea turtles into the ocean. 7. Maldives Why? These are islands of stunning beauty in the Indian Ocean. White sand, turquoise crystal-clear water, palm trees - all as from the picture. Who lives in the Emirates are very lucky, because we are only 4 hours from the Maldives. It is generally believed that the Maldives is an expensive pleasure that not everyone can afford. This is not quite so, as the islands offer a completely different holiday - from luxurious to quite budget, but no less beautiful. Must do: diving, snorkelling, sunset cruise in Dhoney's boat, candlelit dinner on the beach. 8. Ubud, Bali Why? Ubud, which is located in a mountainous area in the central part of Bali island - a unique resort, unlike the rest. It is more than an hour's drive to the sea, with jungle-covered hills, rice fields and rivers running between the steep banks. Tourists go to Ubud to escape from the hustle and bustle and recharge the energy pulsating in the green jungle. Must do: Here you'll find plenty of yoga classes and meditations to help disconnect from all the problems and "charge batteries." There is a well-known jewellery gallery, a centre of wood carving and a batik gallery - a unique technique of painting fabric. 9. Mauritius Why? it's sandy beaches, green mountains, blue water of the Indian Ocean. paradise on Earth. as Mark Twain used to say. Many people think that Mauritius is good only lazy rest - swinging yourself in a hammock, sipping a cocktail amid such natural beauty and all .. Full Relax. But this is far from the case. What makes Mauritius different is its Dutch, French and British legacy - reflected in colonial mansions and botanical gardens – blended with the African, Indian and Chinese heritage and warmth of its people. Beyond the beaches, you can explore colorful markets and temples, fusion cuisine, and se´ga rhythms. Must do: Mauritius offers a huge variety of activities. If you want - climb to the top of the mountain, swim at the waterfall, jump with a parachute. go diving or ride on the beach on horseback - here you go! 10. Mediterranean luxury -Spain and Greece Why? Explore Mediterranean beachside haven for the whole family, where you can experience a World of Safety and Care and create memories that last a lifetime. Must do: I am recommending to visit award-winning Ikos Resorts. Whichever stunning Ikos resort you choose, expect an unsurpassed experience with first-class facilities, stylish accommodation and extra touches of luxury, such as beach and poolside waiter service, exciting excursions and activities, Michelin-star menus, 24-hour room service and so much more. Each of Ikos’ exclusive resorts are set in spectacular locations across the Mediterranean, from Greece’s breathtaking Halkidiki Peninsula to her gorgeous island of Corfu. Plus, the newly introduced Ikos Andalusia - the brand’s first Spanish resort.

24 February 2019

Seychelles is not only a perfect romantic destination for a vacation but also a dream island for mini travelers. Number one it is the safest place in the tropics that doesn’t require any extra vaccinations and plus you can't find any dangerous animals and plants. Seychelles are family-oriented islands with very hospitable local people. Especially if you are travelling with your youngsters, locals will greet your very warmly and will be absolutely fine with noisy kids running around. In Seychelles, your little ones would not need to wear any shoes, as on the cleanest sandy beaches you will not find any corals. Moreover children will enjoy shallow waters that are surrounding the islands where they can splash safely all day long. Best kid-friendly hotels on Seychelles 1. Constance Lemuria This amazing beachfront resort's offers child-friendly facilities that makes it suitable for families. The 105 suites and villas offer luxurious accommodation, some with private pools and butler service. A multi-level pool is the centerpiece of the resort, though one of the hotel's most attractive features is its direct access to three pristine white-sand beaches. Various dining options include a beachfront eatery and fine-dining restaurant. A kids' club provides organized fun for kids ages 4 to 11. Typical activities include guided island exploration, local crafts, cooking classes, and treasure hunts. The hotel also offers two floodlit tennis courts, mountain bikes, and non-motorized water sports. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. 2. Raffles Seychelles Raffles Seychelles is perfectly designed for families, and is one of only a handful of luxury resorts in the Seychelles to provide a dedicated kids' club. The small and cozy kids' club is for ages 4 to 12 (babysitters can be arranged for younger children for a extra charge), and a recreation club for teenagers offers fun activities such as movie nights. The resort has its own white-sand beach, but Praslin is known for its gorgeous beaches, and one of the world’s top-rated is just a 10-minute drive from the hotel. The resort’s private location means that guests will need a car if they want to explore the island, but the amenities - 3 restaurants, a spa, ample water sports, and the largest infinity pool in the Indian Ocean -- make it easy to stay and enjoy this amazing property. The 86 contemporary villas are pretty spacious, offering outdoor dining facilities as well as private pools. 3. Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa Situated on the beautiful Silhouette Island, the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa Spacious features 111 private villas with large furnished terraces and fabulous bathrooms with both rainfall showers and soaking tubs. 5 restaurants and a bar offer a wide array of cuisines, and features include a huge outdoor pool, a luxurious spa, and activities such as scuba diving, fishing, hiking, and yoga. Other amenities at the resort include a medical center, bicycles available for rent, a DVD library, a petanque court, a giant chess game set, and free Wi-Fi access at the resort. Families will appreciate the large kids’ club (for ages 4 to 12 years old), which has both outdoor and indoor play areas, babysitting services is available for extra charge. 4. Kempinski Seychelles Resort Kempinski Seychelles Resort is a great family-friendly property on a white pristine beach in Mahe’s exclusive Baie Lazare area. This hotel has many attractive facilities, including its Olympic-length outdoor infinity pool, a spa with a wide array of treatments, and even own casino. There's plenty of entertainment for kids, including a spacious, bright, and well-equipped kids' club; playground; children's pool; free rent bikes; and two tennis courts. Interconnecting rooms are available upon request. A variety of dining options throughout the resort offer breezy, al fresco seating. 5. Constance Ephelia Constance Ephelia is a 4 star resort located on Mahe Island in the Seychelles. Its two beautiful beaches are stunners and a plethora of features draw plenty of couples and families. Kids are well-treated for here with a large, modern kids’ club (for ages 4 to 11) with indoor and outdoor play areas, games, a play station, a trampoline, and even a mini rock-climbing wall. The resort has a luxurious spa -- one of the biggest in the Seychelles -- with 18 treatment suites and a wide array of treatments (even ones for kids), as well as a sauna, steam room, thermal pool, hot tub, cold plunge pool, and yoga pavilion. A variety of stylish, modern rooms, suites, and villas include facilities ranging from large furnished terraces to private pools set in the gardens. Wi-Fi and breakfast are both complimentary.

23 February 2019

Are you adventurer at heart like me? If yes, then I recommend one of my craziest adventures - visiting mountain Kilimanjaro. We were staying in Zanzibar for our holidays, when I got that spontaneous idea to visit Kilimanjaro. We had only 1 day for that tour and it sounded impossible. There were no tours like that that could be offered to us, so our hotel concierge customized a whole itinerary for us. The plan was to get a speed boat trip and it was the only way to catch a flight early morning at 7am from Dar E Salam Airport ) to Kilimanjaro. As per our hotel concierge it supposed to be a speed boat, however turned to be just a basic wooden boat with motor. Imagine how surprised we were, but what to do as we had to catch the flight. So 2 hours of thrilling journey in the darkness under the stars through Indian Ocean were bit scary, but for sure unforgettable. Real adventure. And we made it!!! Once we arrived to the shore, taxi was waiting for us. It looked so unreal, taxi in the middle of nowhere in a small African village in the night. Anyway we head to the airport and caught out flight to Kilimanjaro. When we landed at the airport, Safari jeep Car was waiting for us with the English-speaking guide and a driver. We had a time of our life visiting Kilimanjaro. Here are some facts about that unique mountain: Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, about 4,900 meters (16,100 ft) from its base to 5,895 meters (19,341 ft) above sea level. If u are not ready to climb - no issues, you can visit Kilimanjaro national park by jeep and take a photo on the climbers starting point as we did. The mountain is part of the Kilimanjaro National Park and is a major climbing destination.

23 February 2019

Are you dreaming go to Jungle Safari with your toddler, but don’t know how? No stress.. We made it with 2 years old and had a time of the life. Visited Yala National Park here are few facts: Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka bordering the Indian Ocean. Really Huge!! -It is situated in the southeast region of the country, and lies in Southern Province and Uva Province. -The park covers 979 square km. -The park is best known for its variety of wild animals. It is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan leopards and aquatic birds. Safari guide told us that we will be extremely lucky if we see leopards but they are hiding all the time and was not easy to catch them. We have seen them twice. My kid was fascinated with such a wonderful wildlife as she saw elephants, deers, leopards, buffalos and much more!! It was 2 hours drive in high 4x4 Toyota car, but we didn't even noticed the time!!( baby had a car seat?? for the safety) Awesome family experience!! Super happy!

23 February 2019

1. Disney Cruises World-famous Disney Cruise Line caters perfectly to children of all ages. You just can’t be bored of a Disney cruise, as it is offering various parties, character-autograph sessions, Broadway musicals, lots of classes, the tours, movies, games, even a 1,800-foot aqua play area on the 4,000-person Disney Fantasy. Perks: Great variety of activities for the little traveler on a cruise – princes’ parties, animation lessons and science classes and so much more Baby-friendly, as even 3-month-old babies are welcome aboard. Don’t worry even if you broke your baby stroller or forgot to bring a bottle sterilizer – just one call to the cruise crew and all that you need is delivered to your cabin. 2. Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean is one of the stars of Hollywood-style cruise business, too. The line has a partnership with DreamWorks — creator of the films Madagascar, Shrek and Kung Fu Panda. Parades, shows, 3-D film showings and meals with favorite characters are among the perks. For the lovely to girls, these cruise lines offer Barbie cruises. Is it a dream came true? Perks: -excellent program for young passengers. -assisted dining for kiddos ages 3 to 11. They can scarf down their meal, and then crew members whisk them away to play while parents enjoy a leisurely me -The kids club is spacious and divided into multiple zones for various age groups. -Rock-climbing walls and surf simulators make the ship attractive to teenagers. -Royal Caribbean ships offer family suites that can sleep 6. 3.Holland America Holland America doesn’t offer the big names and cutting-edge attractions of other # cruise lines, but has lots of other valuable advantages, comparing to others Perks: -Swim parties, Olympics-style competitions, karaoke and pajama parties -all classic fun for children without over-the-top stimulation. -Holland America is also an especially good cruise line for teenagers.

23 February 2019

1. Anantara Dhigu Resort &SPA (3-6 years old) Direct access by speedboat from Male airport, avoiding the need for a seaplane transfer, that is very convenient for kids This 110-room property is spread across 3 islands with a shared lagoon. Rooms feel a little tired, but there are lovely family options. Sunset family villas can take two adults and up to three young children, older families may prefer the 2-bedroom Anantara pool villas connected via a sun deck Dhoni Club is a clutch of traditional Maldivian boats converted into air-conditioned play zones. Kids can enjoy there a mini football pitch, swings, shaded tables for arts and crafts, and a 12ft chalk board. For older children, there is an awesome surf school, a new free-diving school and a marine biologist who leads visits to a coral nursery. A “beach fairy” shimmies up palm trees and cracks open fresh coconuts, and there is unlimited free ice cream at the pool bar. 2. Constance Halaveli (3-6 years old) Resort consists of 86 villas It is not the jetty, so each villa has its private garden, pool and beach access. Some have bunk rooms ideal for tots, and the double-storey option with separate outdoor access is best for families with older children and can accommodate up to five of them. The kids’ club has some of the longest hours in the Maldives, from 9am to 9pm, so the kiddos can play in a group until the evenings rather than be sitting in-villa with babysitters Opposite the club, a tennis pro offers lessons for children, while all non-motorized water sports are complimentary. On check-out, mini travelers mark the walls with a painted handprint before being given a manta ray soft toy as a gift. 3. Bandos Island Resort and SPA (3-6 years old, 6-12 years old) Bandos Island Resort is a great option for families, having its own diving center and the kids’ club. The Kokko Club Kids’ facilities include a large outdoor play area and indoor nursery and are free for kids 3 to 12 years old. Babysitting services are available (for a charge)0for kids up to 12 years old. In the rooms, an extra bed can be provided for kids at no extra charge. A swim-up bar separates the main freshwater pool (popular with older kids) from the shallow kiddy pool. 4. Soneva Fushi ( 6-12 years old) Hotel concept is “No news, no shoes ” which let guests experience Maldivian barefoot luxury 100-acre fantasy family home with a jungle cinema and observatory where kids can spy galaxies far, far away with Ali Shameem, the only certified astronomer in the country. There’s also a turtle-spotting beach and an ice-cream parlor Treetop Swiss Family Robinson-style restaurant reached by a wobbly rope bridge. The Den, the biggest children’s playground in the Indian Ocean. Entered through a tunnel, and kitted out with clocks and treasure maps, it hides an exhaustive list of fabulous playthings: a pirate ship, jungle zip-line, water slide, DJ room and hands-on kitchen 5.Per Aquum Niyama (1-3years old), (3-6 years old), ( 6-12 years old) Little majesties embark on safaris, explore wildlife, go gourmet with Master Chef classes, encounter dolphins and plunge into family indulgences, with luxuries re-invented to thrill guests 12 months to 12 years old.K ids join one of four tribes, segmented by age: Globetrotters: 12 – 35 months Adventurers: 3 – 4 years Voyagers: 5 – 7 years Pioneers: 8 – 12 years At the center of our Maldives kids club, an outdoor play area welcomes with a playground, trampoline, splash park, Munch little gourmet kitchen, and the stage where little ones become the star of the show. For those with tech-obsessed teenagers ,there’s a separate games space with Xboxes, computers and an amazing pair of simulator rooms: one for cinema screenings and one with kit for golf, shooting and goal-scoring practice. And, of course, there are the beaches, the snorkeling, banana boats and dhoni trips. 6. Six Senses Laamu (6 -12 years old) Offering 97 rooms, this is the only resort in the Laamu atoll, and minimal light pollution means heavenly stargazing. The kids’ club is so much fun, offering arts and crafts room and a sandy playground, which means kids prefer exploring the island on treasure hunts by bicycle (identified as their own by a wooden tag carved with their initials-how cool is that). Bikes come in all sizes, with or without stabilizers, and there are tricycles for parents to transport youngsters. The hotel provides useful demonstrations to explain recycling technique marine expert teaches children about turtles, sharks and manta rays, and also supervises the dolphin cruise. On the main jetty there is a complimentary ice-cream bar with more than 40 flavors. Yummy! 7. ClubMed Kani Maldives At Club Med Kani, kids will enjoy a place all their own. Children aged 4 - 10 and 11- 17 can take part in a wide array of games, sports, and creative activities with a dedicated staff by their sides every step of the way. Here, young travelers can play & learn through activities such as cooking lessons, face painting, sandcastle making, coral propagation and even flying trapeze. Children from ages 6 and up can even dive into challenging water sports like sailing and kayaking.

24 November 2018

Mas Que Nada - till now I can hear that Brazilian song in my ears. It was always my dream to travel to Rio De Janeiro, so when it finally came true, I couldn't believe my happiness. I don't know why but directly I felt like at home, maybe because of Brazilian soap operas that I watched in my childhood.. The vibe and energy of the city is crazy - like carnival that you live everyday, but at the same time very laid back. I loved to spend hours sitting on my beach chair on Copacabana, sipping fresh coconut and admiring the Atlantic Ocean. Apart from long beach hours on Ipanema and Leblon, we went around the city. We got a private tour that was the best decision ever. Our guide did impossible - he took us to Christ Redentor when there were no tourists ( only because there were elections in the country in the morning). We were so lucky to get pictures with Christ Redentor without crowds of people on the back. The views from there are just breathtaking, I have never seen such a wild and amazing natural beauty. Sugar Loaf was also a great experience as we took a cabin going up. So many boho places to see on Rio- Selaron stairs, markets, Lapa, Sambadrome..Bohemian style somehow connects with luxury of past colonial times and poverty of favelas, where life is so hectic and bubbling all the time We even dared to visit one of the favelas. As we stayed in Sheraton Leblon next to us there was a very safe favela ( as per our concierge). So just one day we decided to go. Local guys took us by their motorbikes up to the mountains. There were quite a nice bar and even motel for the tourists. Nothing dangerous like they show in the movies.We had our caipirinha with honestly the best view on Copacabana beach. Green picturesque mountains, huge waves of Atlantic ocean on Copacabana, Leblon and Ipanema beaches just take your breath away. I felt like I have been there before. Rio was so laid back. In this city you can be whoever you want either glamorous star of soap opera or just a simple hippie from Lapa. Brazilians seemed so happy and so enjoying the life- these tanned people are spending all day on the white sandy beaches by playing volleyball, dancing capoeira and sunbathing. And you want to be one of them smiling, relaxed ,joyful, taking it all from the life. If you ask me, would I come back to Rio? - my answer will be - YES!

23 September 2018

Zanzibar is one of the unique African islands that combines luxury and wildness of Tanzania. It was one of those places that I had no clue about but was very curious to discover. My partner and I travelled to Zanzibar in April. We were fully aware that there will be a rainy season but it was only time we could take a vacation. And we made a right decision. As it turned out most of the travelers avoid going to this island in the rainy season, so our beautiful authentic hotel The Residence Zanzibar was almost empty, so we had our privacy. By the way, the weather was absolutely fine, we had some tropical rain, but then the sun was coming out, so we were enjoying the beach, turquoise sea and our private swimming pool. I was amazed at the design of our villa- African style bed with white curtains, cozy straw armchairs, great view of the beach and high-end amenities. Service was beyond expectations. Our butler was there anytime for any request we had. Being ones of a few guests in the resort we were spoiled with the attention. The chef was checking every day what we would like for the dinner in order to cook for us exclusive dishes and to make a special set up. We were lucky to have romantic dinners at the jetty, on the beach, in our villa. Hotel staff even arranged a special bonfire for us. I felt like we are on our second honeymoon. n Zanzibar, we found not only great sandy beaches and perfect waters for swimming, snorkeling and diving, but also we had some adventures. First of all, we took Old City in the Stone Town, There is an Incredible atmosphere of colonial times, historical places, spice market, wooden oriental doors, frightening slave market and the house of Freddy Mercury. Famous Prison Island impressed us with huge beautiful turtles that are happily living there in a sanctuary. You can even feed them and take tons of photos with them. Another great adventure was a Blue safari - sea voyage on a traditional wooden boat ( looked like a pirate ship). We were enjoying snorkeling and fabulous underwater world of Zanzibar, chasing dolphins from the boat, passing by mangroves lagoons with a crystal clear emerald-green water. At the end of the trip we had a delicious lunch on one of the islands with traditional delicacies (try red baobab seeds -yummy). On our last day we decided to visit popular The Rock restaurant. Interesting fact about that place - it is located on the real rock in the middle of the ocean. So when the tide is low you can walk there easily, but when the water comes up, you can reach it only by the boat. Very exciting experience. Must do! Overall, I must say that Zanzibar is a black pearl of Tanzania, that everyone should visit at least once!

05 September 2018

Bali is an incredible place where your body and soul will be rejuvenated. I have personally been there twice and honestly, will go there again and again. There is something about those green rice fields, clear waterfalls, Indian ocean with its changing tides. For the family vacation, I would recommend Nusa Dua, the most luxurious and well- the maintained area with only world-famous hotels chains like Marriott, Starwood, Radisson and Hyatt. First time I visited Bali in April and the second time in December. And I can say that In December the weather was more comfortable due to the less rain. My friends and I stayed in Courtyard by Marriott Nusa Dua and were happy with that modern property made in wood and glass. Swimming pool was huge just like a tropical river, where you can enjoy the pool bar that serves cocktails all day long. The beach is located in a short distance where the hotel transfer was arranged. The funny part that you need to catch a period of the day when the tide is not very low, to have a nice swim. You can even find the timetable of the tides on the beach. Unlike Seminyak with its busy funky streets and bars and hectic nightlife, Nusa Dua is very family friendly and quiet place. It has its own community centre -Bali collection, where you can find plenty of restaurants with delicious Indonesian or European cuisine, souvenirs shops and boutiques, SPA salons, offering famous Balinese massage ( that I highly recommend) and even fish pedicure. If you are a nature lover, you can go ahead with Ubud-very spiritual and oriental place, where are located freshly green rice fields and jungle. However, it will be a bit far from the ocean. For the budget option, you can choose Kuta, where accommodation would not cost a fortune, but you can also enjoy the ocean and sandy beaches and lots of fun activities, like swimming with the dolphins. The best thing that we did in Bali -we rented scooters and got a freedom of driving around through the island and visited all iconic places including Dreamland beach, Tahanlot, volcano, rice fields, waterfalls and Lake Temple. One of the most exciting experiences was having lunch with the Mount Batur volcano view. Breathtaking! Would definitely recommend it! So as you can see everyone can find his own happiness on the amazing island-Bali.

04 September 2018

It’s well-known that the Maldives is a dream island for the honeymooners and romantic getaways, however, this place is perfectly suitable for the family vacation. Just imagine -blue turquoise water, white and soft sandy beach, water villas and of course highest level of service-sounds like a paradise. I personally have been to amazing Anantara Per Aquum at Huvafenfushi island. My husband and I travelled there for a short break over a weekend and it was absolutely worth it. We arrived at the Male airport, where a speedboat transfer was waiting for us. It took us only 20 minutes to get there. The ride was very comfortable as the boat was equipped with nice leather seats, Wi-Fi and some refreshments were served to us. On the arrival we were warmly greeted by the staff and the General Manager himself- that was very pleasant. We got a beach villa with amazing ocean view, private pool and a huge wooden terrace. Our room was very beautifully decorated with rose petals and pleasant amenities were waiting for us. There was a direct access to the perfect sandy beach and unbelievable blue waters of the Indian Ocean. The gem of the resort is Underwater SPA- I never been to a better relaxing area in my life. Spa therapists greeted me very warmly and made sure that I will get a wonderful experience there. Massage table had a water mattress on it, so when you lay down it gets the shape of your body for the perfect relaxation. I was mesmerized by Underwater view on colored exotic fishes and the coral reefs. I thought that I might be bored on the island staying there a few days, however it was not like that at all! Hotel team organized for us unforgettable sunset dhoni (traditional boat) cruise with a glass of champagne, dinner at impressive underground wine cellar, beautiful lunch at the seafood restaurant. Every wish was just predicted by very attentive and professional staff. Service was just impeccable. Great experience in the paradise island!

19 August 2018

Sri Lanka was just beyond expectations! We travelled there in the end of May with my 2 years old baby girl and hubby. Honestly I wasn't expecting anything much, as I didn't know what this beautiful country is and what it can actually offer. We were considering different destinations-for the family vacations - Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Thailand and even Bali. As it turned out that in from May till August they do have a rainy season in South East region... So I was thinking that if its raining in Maldives , we will have nothing to do with the kid. Mauritius needed pre- arranged visa for my hubby and we didn't have much time. Seychelles and Thailand we have already visited ( very good option by the way) but we wanted something new. Bali was quite far- 9 hours flight with the kiddo was a-bit too much.. Then it clicked - Sri Lanka- green jungle, fresh air, Indian Ocean, yoga and retreats, yummy seafood ( local crabs and lobsters.. mmm). Moreover my daughter loves wildlife and animals - roaring all the time like a lion ( her favorite). So we decided to open this amazing just jungle book for our toddler. Good thing that from Dubai its only 4 hours flight, which really matters when you are traveling with your child. We took direct Emirates Flight to Colombo airport. 4 hours flew very fast. Good we arranged hotel transfer in advance. It was a nice minivan with car seat for the baby, water, and even Wi-Fi. Our first stop. Anantara Kalutara. The luxurious resort hidden in the jungle. I was so impressed that these lovely people greeted us with traditional Lankan dance and led us to the Lobby area. We were lucky to get upgraded to the Private Garden Villa with the swimming pool. Honestly the best place to stay with the little one as you can swim together all day long and whenever baby is tired, you can put him to sleep in the bedroom ( by the way hotel provides very comfortable wooden baby cot). We were anxious to go and to discover that property. The hotel is beautifully decorated in rustic style with a natural touch, great swimming pool, few restaurants and a kids club. Kids club accepts kids from 4 yo, but our girl is just 2yo so we could arrange babysitter there. Kids club is well- equipped with different toys, games and cartoons. So our kid was happy to spend some time there while my hubby and I enjoyed famous Anantara SPA. Next day we decided to spend outdoors. Concierge arrange for us Turtle Sanctuary visit, where we learned about turtle rescue, cuddles small water turtles and eventually let them go to the ocean ( very touching experience) Another great adventure was Yala National Park. We went on a real safari with our little one and had a time of the life Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in bordering the Indian Ocean. Really Huge!! It is situated in the southeast region of the country, and lies in Southern Province and Uva Province. The park covers 979 square km. Yala is best known for its variety of wild animals. It is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan leopards and aquatic birds. Safari guide told us that we will be extremely lucky if we see leopards but they are hiding all the time and was not easy to catch them. We seen them TWICE! wow! My kid was fascinated with such a wonderful wildlife as she saw elephants, deers, peacocks, buffalos and much more!! It was 2 hours drive in high 4x4 Toyota car but we didn't even notice the time!! ( baby had a car seat for the safety) Awesome family experience!! Super happy! Our second stop Anantara Tangalle Peace Haven. The idyllic place for the family vacation. Wonderful resort overlooking Indian Ocean. The area of the hotel is green and blossoming. You can spot lots of animals there like monkeys, peacocks, parrots and much more. Our Private pool villa was a dream come true. Spacious rooms, fabulous interiors and of course cherry on the top was a private swimming pool with the ocean view, where we spent most of the time. Butler service was exceptional. Our butler went extra mile to exceed our expectations. Even he as per my husband's request arranged for us a traditional Sri Lankan show inside our villa area. It was unforgettable - dancers in Traditional costumes, fire show, drumming and delicious food that Chef was preparing specially for us at the live cooking station that they set up on a site. It was a magnificent show! Overall Sri Lanka is a beautiful country , full of wonders. It can suit any budget and satisfy even the most demanding traveler. Would definitely recommend it for the family vacation for around 7-10 days. You will enjoy!