Built out of salt blocks, the amazing Palacio de Sal (Palace of Salt to us English folks) is located at the edge of the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. The Salar de Uyuni has long been a popular tourist attraction for travelers around the world. Due to the scarcity of construction materials in the area the hotel was created out of the one material that is plentiful in area. The first hotel was built between 1993 and 1995 and soon became a popular tourist destination featuring 12 double rooms, a common bath and no shower. Due to its original location in the center of a desert there were various sanitary and environmental issues that cause the hotel to be dismantled in 2002.

In 2007 a new hotel was created at a new location, some 25km from the town of Uyuni and it was given the name Palacio de Sal. Located about 220 miles south of Bolivia’s capital La Paz, the hotel was built using about 1 million 14 inch salt blocks which were used for the floor, walls, ceiling, beds, tables, chairs, sculptures and more. But don’t try to lick the walls; the hotel has a rule prohibiting it since licks can degrade the blocks and hence degrade the hotel. The hotel offers a variety of wonderful amenities to pamper its visitors including a dry sauna, steam room, saltwater pool and whirlpool baths. Enjoy a relaxing massage after your sauna or steam room sessions at the Palacio de Sal’s marvelous spa.

The hotel also features a restaurant that serves elaborated dishes based on salt, llama meat and lamb from the local region. If you’re unsure of what to order be sure to try the hotel’s specialty, Pollo a la Sal (Chicken a la Salt) for a truly tasty and delectable meal. If you’re more in the mood for livations, the hotel offers a Bar/Pub with a great game room to play billiards, chess and even an auditorium that holds up to forty guests. The Palacio de Sal is truly a unique and amazing experience giving you a distinctive environment to unwind in.

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A vacation to the sapphire blue waters of the Mediterranean is often out of reach for the majority of wannabe travelers. Luckily the good ol’ US of A offers a getaway retreat in beautiful southern California that will instantly bring your mind to the gorgeous stretches of the classic European holiday destination. Part of the region known as America’s Riviera, the Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast, California is designed to reflect the grand Renaissance style Mediterranean sea side towns and delivers the same relaxed air with a hefty dose of luxury. With your choice of over 200 Bungalow suites and 128 villas, a world class golf course, and a westerly ocean view that is simply unrivaled; Pelican Hill will pamper and indulge your every need.

The crown jewel of Pelican Hill is their clubhouse pool modeled after Rome’s famous Coliseum. From the edge of the pool which is lined with 1.1 million hand-cut blue glass tiles you can take in the entirety of Newport Harbor. And at 136 feet across this saltwater oasis is the largest perfectly circular pool in the world. Surrounded by opulent cabanas that provide full wet bars, flat screen HD televisions, personal servers, state of the art sound systems and privacy curtains, the pool area is perfect for escaping to your own secret paradise.

If soaking up rays isn’t your cup of tea, why not take up a round of golf at the Pelican Hill Golf Club? Considered to be among the finest clubs in America, this 36 hole masterpiece was designed by premier golf course architect Tom Fazio and attracts a following from all over the world. There is even a 44,000 square foot clubhouse that is prepared to wow you with their vast array of amenities. Pull a muscle swinging that nine iron? Well then swing on by The Spa at Pelican Hill to replenish, invigorate, and relax. Quite literally actually as the spa caters their treatment styles to your specific needs and desires within each of those three categories. The service there is simply unbeatable.

Of course when you stay at a hotel the rooms are typically among your biggest concerns. Well no need to be concerned here. The one story Bungalow suites feature fireplaces, deep luxurious marble bathtubs, large flat panel HD plasma televisions, private parking for each, and all on a lovely terraced outcrop overlooking the Pacific. The Villas range from two to four bedrooms and are impeccably well appointed. Nestled high on the cliff tops they have fully furnished outdoor terraces, private garages, personal assigned staff available 24 hours a day, 500 count linens, and myriad other treats in store. There are several restaurants and cafés on site which are at the ready to prepare delicious gourmet delicacies at your request. One of them, Andrea, specializes in Tuscan inspired dishes and makes a grilled swordfish that is to die for. There is nothing not to love at Pelican Hill. From the gorgeous setting to the fine dining to the outrageous service, Pelican Hill is a perfect escape from the every day.

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If you have ever spent a Saturday morning watching an Antiques Road Show marathon then you will be familiar with folk art and its value; both intrinsically and as part of Americana. While the importance of folk art is often discussed, rarely is it celebrated in the United States, and even less frequently is it displayed publically. The Tinkertown Museum in Sandia Park, New Mexico sought to change all that. This 22 room art extravaganza is located just north of Albuquerque and is definitely one of the most underrated museums in the United States.

Before you twist and turn your way through the one of a kind exhibits, you will notice that even the building itself if an exquisite piece of folk art. The façade was fashioned with over 50,000 differently colored glass bottles set in cement which creates almost a kaleidoscope impression when you look at it. Once inside you are bombarded with thousands of unique and strangely beautiful pieces from exceptional wood carvings, to a fun animatronic cowboy town, and even a miniature old fashioned circus. Probably the most astounding thing about the Tinkertown Museum is the vast majority of what you see was created by the museum’s founder Ross Ward.

In a span covering over four decades Ward whittled, carved, and collected his way across the country. Of the items not made by Ward, this roadside charmer has on display odd little dolls, antique arcade machines, a huge assortment of remarkable wedding cake toppers, and an historic 35 foot sailboat that once spent ten years circumnavigating the globe. You can almost visualize the impressive amount of skill going into creating these matchless works of art. Tinkertown Museum is quaint, quirky, kitschy, and absolutely glorious. Make sure you spend a few minutes (which could turn into hours) in the museum’s gift shop which is filled with equally peculiar objects you can take home with you. Open 7 days a week from April through October, the Tinkertown Museum is anxiously awaiting your arrival and is ready to dazzle young and old with a collection you won’t soon forget!

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What is 2500 million years old, covered in forest, and has some of the best skiing around? If you said Jackson Hole in Wyoming, well you are half right. Most of Jackson Hole is actually part of the Grand Teton National Park. Covering about 310,000 acres in northwest Wyoming this pristine Wild West preserve is the ideal get away for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It is hard to say where to start first as there is seemingly an endless array of exciting and awesome things to do. Although a smattering of entertainment options will be listed here, we strongly recommend you check with them yourself before you make the trip to see what else may be out there waiting to tickle your fancy.

The rugged outdoorsman will love the summer months in Grand Teton National Park. Covered in lush greenery, huge mountains (part of the Teton Range, Grand Teton Mountain is 13,770 feet tall) and unspoiled rivers, lakes, and streams. The land is teeming with all sorts of wildlife such as moose, elk, bison, bears, hummingbirds, bald eagles, and hundreds of other species all calling this rich abundant place their home. One of the best ways to see all this life up close and personal is to do some backcountry camping. Be aware, however, that this isn’t Bambi and many of the animals here can be ornery if not downright dangerous, so be prepared.

Those of you looking to take up in more solid accommodations can check out the various lodging options including the Grand Teton Climbers’ Ranch, Coulter Bay Village Cabins, and Jenny Lake Lodge which all offer unique and breathtaking vistas along with premier accommodations, locations, and service. The lake side lodgings are perfect for access to the fantastic fishing. Several reputable and experienced commercial fishing tours are available to make sure you get the most out of your visit. Averaging over 4 million visitors a year, it’s probably a good idea to call one or two ahead of time to see what’s available.

If fishing is a bit too tame for your blood, why not trek out onto one of their hiking trails. There are over 200 miles of truly magnificent trails just waiting for you to discover them. Of course one of the bigger draws for tourists is the snow. And seeing as they get about 180 inches a year, it’s easy to see why Grand Teton National Park is a winter wonderland allowing for incredible cross country skiing, snowshoeing, as well as downhill skiing by Jackson Hole. These are just a few of the many superb and fun filled escapades that are waiting for you at Grand Teton National Park. So grab your sleeping bag and your sense of adventure and mosey on down to one of the most spectacular national parks in the country!

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During September the seaside town of St Ives in Cornwall, England is home to the St Ives September Festival, one of the longest running festivals of the arts in the United Kingdom. The festival has been going on for over 30 years and runs for 15 days (the 2010 festival runs from Sept 11-25). It features a wonderful eclectic mix of music, film, poetry, talks, exhibitions and much more. Started in 1978 by local entrepreneurs and the nearby International Musicians Seminar, the festival has grown to attract thousands of visitors from around the world.

During the festival, local artists in the town to open their studios and allow visitors to see how their art is created. With the festival featuring a ton of live music from a range of styles there is bound to be something to interest your ears. The festival features over six different venues, both large and small. Nearly every night you can stroll into one of the many pubs in the town to enjoy even more live music. Visitors can also partake in a variety of hands-on workshops in different media including both visual arts and writing. There are even activities for children that will both entertain and educate, tickets for workshops are available at the St Ives Library where the workshops take place.

For those interested in film and theater there is also plenty to do during the two weeks. The St Ives September Festival features three different film venues each featuring its own unique program for the duration. This year’s festival will spotlight classic animated films, Hairspray as well as mainstream movies. The festival also features a lineup of live theater and comedy programs featuring both local and world renowned actors and comedians. Don’t miss the poetry and music that takes place in the town square. There are many other events to partake in and enjoy during the festival like pub quizzes, street entertainment, storytelling and so much more. The St Ives September Festival is truly a great way to immerse yourself into the wonderful world of the arts.

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Most dream vacations start with visions of exotic locales or escaping to several days of golf, tennis, kayaking, massages, and picnics. Well, hidden away on the island oasis of Mauritius is the fantastic spa resort of Shanti Maurice. Designed by architect Jean-Marc Eynaud, designer Chandu Chhada, and landscape architect Bill Bensley, this 32 acre paradise offers everything you could possibly envision for the perfect get away. The moment you step on to the property, an overwhelming sense of calm washes over you. This is due not only to the naturally tranquil setting of the warm white sand beaches with their cyan waters but also the holistically spiritual environment specifically created to lull travelers into a state of utter peace and contentment.

This beachfront resort overlooking the Indian Ocean is far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Located several hundred miles from Madagascar off the southeastern coast of Africa it is nearly impossible to find a more idyllic setting. Outside you’ll see how Shanti Maurice seamlessly melded their luxurious three main pools with the lush gardens to give the impression one has walked into Eden. The suites and villas are no different. No matter where in the resort you choose to stay, you are guaranteed to be facing the ocean. Many of the suites (including the “basic” Junior Suites) feature outdoor rain showers while all have large flat screen plasma televisions and broadband internet access (which is nice when you are tucked away in a far corner of the globe).

Of the 64 different choices of accommodation offered each is more spectacular and opulent than the last. Luxury Villas are completely private surrounded by thick foliage and have their own private swimming pools (as do all the villas). At over 1,200 square feet, the Luxury Suite Villas complete with private courtyards and outdoor lounge beds are sure to please. For those double dating couples retreats, the Two Bedroom Suite Villas will win you over with the relaxing Jacuzzi built into the pool and a fantastic pavilion great for enjoying a lunch with the balmy sea air. Of course the granddaddy of them all, the Presidential Suite, is a two bedroom three bathroom masterpiece covering 2,600 plus square feet and providing you with the ultimate in service, privacy, and quiet.

Dining at Shanti Maurice is simply exquisite and can be had outdoors, in room, or at any of their four amazing restaurants all geared to providing food that is not only fresh and healthy but also quite delicious. And obviously you don’t go to a “spa resort” without taking part in their specialty, Ayurvedic treatments for the body and soul. Aside from yoga, meditation, and Pilates you can relax with uniquely formulated body wraps, water therapies, and expertly tailored massage treatments that are truly healing and rejuvenating. After all this dining and pampering feel free to work off a few pounds by taking a day hike, learning to wind surf, or maybe even a round of golf. Shanti Maurice promises your every wish is their command with outstanding service, breathtaking vistas, and the ultimate in luxury. So grab your visa, passport, and sense of adventure and make your way to the island you never knew you loved.

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No London Park will amaze you as much as this one. Battersea Park is located just a couple of miles south of Marble Arch. With a rich collection of wildlife and a beautiful lake, the park offers you a lot more than just walking your dog or playing soccer. The place is full of surprises and the varieties of animals, birds, trees, and sceneries you get to see here is absolutely amazing.

This historic park has a long saga to tell and though it is not now in the shape its original creators visualised, it still has much delight to offer. The place is abuzz with many happening events and there is lots of music and dance including the music evenings at the Gondola al Parco Cafe. Though you cannot erect a tent here or set up a BBQ, you can surely take a horse ride around the place. The place is usually open from 8 in the morning till after dusk.

One of the most favorite attractions of the park is the wonderful children’s zoo. They have a lot of excitement is store for you, especially the kids! The Toddler’s Playground, 1 O’ Clock Club for kids under five, the adventure playground that is open from 11am-6pm and Blue Bird Boats for rowing on the lake make your visit truly enthralling. In other words, there is hardly anything you cannot find here at the Battersea Park in London.

The park has planned out a great set of activities for everyone. Apart from rowing, you can also indulge in Land Train, recumbent bikes or sports activities like jogging, fishing, trim track, tennis, rollerblading, cricket, soccer, rugby, 5-a-side, croquet, boules, and much more! Even a simple activity like talking a walk along the riverside leading you past the London Peace Pagoda could be quite fun and relaxing.

Nature is at its best at the Battersea Park. With a vast collection of mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, fish and trees, the park is already gushing with love and romance. The breath-taking arboretum is home to many animals like foxes, squirrels, bats, hedgehogs, Peregrine falcon, Kestrel, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Parakeet, Gadwall and many other different kinds of wildlife. The park also is famous for its largest variety of trees which number more than 4000. Most of these trees are more than 200 years old and each one is tagged to help you walk around the park in a clockwise direction without getting lost. A casual walk across the park will take you more than an hour.

The park has preserved its rich history of art and sculpture collections by the likes of Moore, Hepworth, Kennington, and many other famous names. You can even catch up on the decorative antiques fair, and the affordable art fair. Get a free booklet at the Pump House or Park Office. It will give you a brief idea about the place and how you can go about it without missing the major attractions of the place.

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Buckingham Palace is a part of the legacy carried from Britain’s Kings and Queens who built this official Royal Residence to be held in trust for future generations. It was intended to be a home for the members of the Royal family, working buildings of the official royal staff, entertaining official guests, and also for hosting formal events and ceremonies. Since 1837, the Buckingham Palace has remained one of the most famous icons of Britain and today it serves to be the central administrative headquarters of the country.

The palace today has 775 rooms. The building is 24 metres high, 120 metres deep and 108 meters long. The rooms are divided as 19 State rooms, 92 offices, 52 royal bedrooms, 78 bathrooms, and 188 staff bedrooms. These offices and accommodations help the support staff of the Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh as well as of their immediate family to run the show in proper co-ordination. The day-to-day activities are harmonised from this central headquarters.

You might believe that this was some museum or art gallery considering the vast rich collections on display in this amazing palace. Yet it is neither of them. This no-nonsense building has served an important role in the administration of the entire country. It has remained witness to many important Royal ceremonies, State Visits and inaugurations held by the Royal Family. Furnished and embellished in the most beautiful way, this place is bejewelled with the most priceless works of art carried forward for generations.

According to statistics, more than 50,000 people visit the Buckingham Palace each year officially. Other visitors who do not visit by invitation are asked to step into the Grand Hall using the Grand Staircase. The portraits set up in the wall by Queen Victoria, the Throne Room used for important occasions, the Ballroom, the East Gallery, the West Gallery, the State Dining Room, the Music Room, Blue and White Drawing Room, the Garden Front, the Bow Room – each has its own saga to narrate and all of them have been most ornamentally laid out.

What was bought by George III for his wife Queen Charlotte is today the focal arena of the British government. There is hardly anyone who would not have heard of the Buckingham Palace and a visit to this place is imperative on your visit to London. The State Rooms can be visited during the Annual Summer Opening in August and September when the Queen resides at the Balmoral Castle. Here you can find some of the finest treasures of the Palace including the exquisite French and British furniture as well as paintings of Rembrandt, Poussin and Canaletto. Finally, do not forget to check out the Changing of Guards that takes place in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace at 11:30 and lasts for 45 minutes. This takes place on every day in summers and on every other day in winters. The easiest way to get to Buckingham Palace is via the tube stations at Green Park, Hyde Park Corner, Victoria or St. James’s Park.

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A Visit to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York will give you great insight into the military and maritime forces of the United States and their roll in the Second World War. This museum was founded in 1982 and is located on the Hudson River at Pier 86 at 46^th Street on the West Side of Manhattan. It was closed for two years from 2006 for restoration and reopened in November 2008. This museum hosts the Fleet Week events held annually. The museum got its name from the World War II aircraft carrier, USS Intrepid. The exhibits include the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier, the submarine, USS Growler and the supersonic reconnaissance plane, Lockheed A-12.

USS Intrepid has a very proud history. This Essex class aircraft carrier and 23 other sister ships formed the backbone of the US Navy. During the Second World War this warship survived seven bombings, five kamikaze attacks and one torpedo hit. Every time the ship came back to see action after repairs! Consequently it earned the nickname, ‘The Ghost Ship’ among the foes. After the war it was refurbished to receive jet fighters. In the 1960s it was the recovery vessel for NASA. It also saw action during the Vietnam War. After a stint of Soviet submarine tracking, USS Intrepid was retired in 1974.

Apart from the two ships and the Lockheed plane, there is a supersonic Concorde airliner formerly owned by the British Airways, a flight simulator and several other pieces of military equipment are also on display. One of the exhibits is a fighter jet on the deck of the USS Intrepid ready to take off for a military operation. There are 30 restored aircrafts in total on board. The museum officials are doing everything possible to acquire a space shuttle from NASA to go along with the Apollo capsule replica already on display. They have already contacted NASA and NASA is planning to hand off all the three space shuttles, Endeavour, Discovery and Atlantis, when the shuttle program ends in 2010. But there is competition for Intrepid Museum from many other institutions, about twenty of them, like Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. But the Intrepid Museum has already enlisted support from the legislators and former astronauts. And they have funds at their disposal too. The cost of each shuttle is estimated to be $42 million. The museum officials plan to house the shuttle in a glass enclosure.

The rates for tickets are $19.50 for adults, $15.50 for senior citizens, veterans and students, $14.50 for youths aged 6 to 17 and $7.50 for children aged 3 to 5. For children under 2, for those in active service and retired military people admission is free. A guided tour is included in the ticket. Visitors will get access to the Intrepid Carrier, the Growler and the Concorde airliner. Food service is sold on board. Smoking is prohibited on board. The tour will take about three hours. Those who hold a New York Pass get free admission to the museum. Ever since the opening in 1982 the Intrepid has remained an icon of the United States. While in New York do not miss the opportunity to visit this great unique museum.

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The Bronx Zoo allows you to travel inside the world of other countries without having to actually visit them. Explore Africa’s savannah where the grasses are tall, the trees are few and in between and the wildlife is plentiful by visiting the African Plains exhibit. Investigate Jungle World and discover some of Asia’s beautiful habitats along with seeing the creatures that reside within the Jungle, in mangroves, and on the beaches of Asia. Discover the majestic mountains of Nepal by seeking out the Himalayan Highlands exhibit, where you get to travel narrow uphill paths which are surrounded by wild magnolias, bamboo, groves of fir and birch, paperback maples, and other Asian plants and trees. Made up of 265 acres, the Bronx Zoo is the largest urban zoo in the United States and is home to over 4,000 animals. Many of the animals that can be found at the Bronx Zoo are either having their population threatened or are endangered altogether.

The wildlife that can be found at the Bronx Zoo is extensive. Within the African Plains exhibit witness how lions, zebras, giraffes, gazelles, nyalas, and other African wildlife roam around in a natural environment. The Madagascar exhibit is home to Nile crocodiles, fossas (related to the Mongoose), and 4 types of lemurs. Observe Siberian tigers, an extremely endangered species originating from East Russia, as they jump, swim, and even hunt a deer hide when you visit Tiger Mountain. The Baboon Reserve is one of the largest primate exhibits in the world, housing baboons, Nubian ibexes, and rock hyraxes. Want to see a larger primate? The Congo Gorilla Forest is home to more than 20 western lowland gorillas. It is also home to colobus monkeys, emerald tambourine doves, blue monkeys, okapis (related to the giraffe), DeBrazza’s monkeys, marmosets, and many other creatures. Other exhibits include the Butterfly Garden, the Mouse House, the World of Reptiles, and numerous others. The Bronx Zoo will keep you entertained for hours on end with everything there is to see and do. They even have stuff for the kids like Bug Carousel and the Children’s Zoo which allows kids to take pictures with chickens as well as pet goats, sheep, and llamas.

Cafes and food stands are located throughout the zoo so you can stop for some snacks during your exploration. There are even designated picnic areas conveniently located next to some of the exhibits so you can buy lunch and then rest your feet as you observe the wildlife while you chow down. You can find one of these picnic areas next to the Baboon Reserve in which the tables overlook the baboons’ hillside. The Bronx Zoo is open April 3rd to November 1st, Monday thru Friday from 10am-5pm and on weekends and holidays from 10am-5:30pm and is located at Fordham Road and Bronx River Parkway. If you ever find yourself in New York, the Bronx Zoo is definitely a must-see.

Visit the Bronx Zoo official website

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