2012 International Rally of Whangarei, a motor sport highlight

For any sports car enthusiast and rally aficionado in the Asia Pacific region the 2012 International Rally of Whangarei is a must attend. The occasion will take place from 30th March to 1st April making it the sixth year that the occasion has been based in this particular township.

The best of the best rally racers from not just New Zealand but from all over the Asia Pacific and even other parts of the world gather to this northern most town of Whangarei to take part in this happening. It will also be the opening round of motor sports rallying not only in this country but also in the region of Asia Pacific. The event will feature a number of world renowned champions making this race a star studded occasion that is sure to pump up the adrenaline and also rev up its intensity. The participants come from a number of countries such as Australia, Malaysia, China, Japan, New Zealand and India. There will be more than 20 teams vying for the prizes and some of the best rally teams from the country will also take part in the race.

Parallel to the occasion there will also be a number of events that are held featuring racers such as autograph signing sessions, and even the racers taking a street tour. The occasion will commence with a festive start and the whole city will be in high spirits during this season due to the excitement and buzz of activity.

For those who are keen on the rally scene it will surely be a great opportunity to catch the action here during the occasion and get up-close to a number of world renowned players and their talents. For visitors to the city, there are a large variety of New Zealand hotels to choose from. Those who book early can make use of the various great New Zealand hotel packages at establishments such as Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ. It is one of the finest hotel chains in the country providing unmatched facilities and service for their guests to have a relaxed and memorable time.

Parasailing In Maldives – A Bird's Eye View of Paradise

Maldives is the place where sun, sand and surf meet to create a delightful slice of heaven. While the country is home to various sites for tourists to visit, such as the Hukuru Miskiiy and the National Museum, Maldives remains more popular for its beaches and its water related sports and activities. There are numerous adventure water sports available on the island, and the professionals that conduct them make even the most daunting activity seem easy to novices.

Parasailing is an adventure water sport involving a high speed boat and a giant parachute. The participant is buckled into a parachute that is attached to the boat. As the boat speeds away, the rider is borne aloft. Some places provide the option of taking off and landing on the beach, while other places give riders the option of doing the takeoff and landing on the boat itself. Usually two people can go at a time making it a terrific activity for couples. Parasailing is one of the most exciting adventure sports available on the island. While speeding high above the turquoise ocean is exhilarating, the quiet and solitude at those heights make it a very serene and tranquil experience.

Parasailing also provides spectacular aerial views of the beach, and one can catch glimpses of long stretches of beach, palm trees and endless blue ocean. While parasailing is quite popular, it is hardly the only option. Maldives has some of the best diving spots in the world, and visitors should not pass up the chance to go scuba diving here. There are many other water sports that one can enjoy here such as surfing, jet skiing etc.

There are plenty of operators that offer the facilities for water sports and tourists can look to their Maldives resort for guidance when it comes to choosing one. There are also many Maldives luxury hotels that provide such facilities and staying at such a place can cut down a lot of hassle. The Anantara Dhigu Maldives is one resort which provides guests with facilities to go diving, parasailing, kayaking, jet skiing, wind surfing etc. The resort also has an excellent spa where guests can relax after a long day of activity.

World Invitational Dragon Boat Races – Singapore's Top Nautical Event

Dragon boats are long, wooden (traditionally teak) crafts that are manually powered, and they originated in southern China's Pearl River delta region. The boats are usually colourfully decorated for special occasions such as celebrations or contests. Dragon boat races have been held for over two thousand years, and were extremely popular in rural areas of China. It was in 1978 that dragon boat racing was introduced to Singapore, when the country was invited to take part in the Hong Kong Races. Following the event in Hong Kong, the Singapore Sports Council (SSC) arranged the country's first ever dragon boat race in the same year.

That competition in Singapore was open to only local races with only twenty five teams taking part. The SSC has held many races since that inaugural event in 1978, and the sport has steadily grown as a prime attraction. Now the annual Singapore World Invitational Dragon Boat Races has evolved into one of the most anticipated events in the aquatic sports calendar. The event featured only two foreign teams in 1979, but now attracts over a dozen foreign teams each year.

The dragon boat races take place in remembrance of the Chinese poet and patriot, Qu Yuan. The Warring States period (475- 221 BC) was an exceptionally dark time in China's history, and it is then that Qu Yuan jumped into a river so that he would not have to witness his nation falling into the hands of fraudulent leaders. People set out on dragon shaped boats to rescue him, all the while beating gongs and tossing rice dumplings into the river to distract the River Dragon, but it was to no avail.

After all these years, drums and rice dumplings are still a staple at the races. The dragon boat race is usually held around late June or early July. For more information contact the Singapore Tourist Board or visit their website. Tourists planning on viewing the races should plan well in advance. As it is a popular world event, accommodation gets a little tough to come by during the races. Staying at hotel apartments Singapore, such as La Residenza Serviced Suites, is a terrific alternative to staying at a crowded hotel. It is an ideal accommodation choice, offering luxury serviced apartments Singapore just a stone’s throw away from the country's top tourist attractions.

Sports in Maldives – Fun in the Sun!

While the Maldives is known for offering a laidback coastal setting in which to get some serious rest and relaxation, it also offers plenty of opportunities to take part in recreational activities. Sports in Maldives include such activities as beach volleyball, badminton, tennis and the ever popular football (soccer). No mention of Maldivian recreational activities is complete without mentioning the range of water sports on offer such as snorkelling, water skiing, diving, parasailing, windsurfing, fishing, scuba diving and jet skiing. Those on holiday looking for Maldives island resorts that offer luxurious accommodation along with outdoor recreational activities can stay at Naladhu Maldives. This Maldives hotel and resort also has its own spa and dining options to make for a truly memorable holiday.

Yas Links Golf Course – A Golfing Holiday in Abu Dhabi!

Offering countless hours of family fun and exploration, Yas Island is one of the premier tourist destinations in Abu Dhabi. This ecologically diverse island is home to a thriving ecosystem and plays host to a wide range of marine and bird life. Apart from natural attractions, it is also where one will find such places of interest as the Yas Links Golf Course.

Located on Yas Island and only around 15 minutes from the Abu Dhabi city centre, this picturesque course is an ideal treat for those planning to indulge in some golf while on holiday. Situated within easy reach of the Yas Marina Circuit, it is the Middle East region’s first links golf course and is equally well known for its stunning natural landscapes and breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf.

Apart from the 18-hole course, it also boasts floodlit practice facilities, a golf academy and a modern clubhouse. This awe-inspiring course was designed by world famous links golf course architect, Kyle Phillips who has expertly incorporated the island’s coastal setting into the design. Kyle Phillips is in fact also credited with the design of such courses as Verdura Golf & Spa Resort in Sicily, Kingsbarns Golf Links in St. Andrews, the Dundonald - Loch Lomond Golf Club in Troon and the PGA Sweden National, Bara.

The 18 hole course offers plenty of challenges that will test even the best of golfers, while beginners and amateurs can also relish the prospect of testing their skills. Among the challenges one will come across while playing here include the classic “Cape” style 9th hole (par 4), the 6th hole (par 4) with its bunkers and the 18th hole (par 5) that offers both risks and rewards for those willing to take a chance than play it safe!

The Yas Links Golf Academy which one will also find here is a well equipped facility that offers golfers a chance to brush up on their game and learn new techniques that can help them in their overall game. It features a 9 hole (par 3) academy course, indoor swing studios, a practice putting green and a professional shop.

Travellers heading to the region and looking for luxurious Abu Dhabi hotels that offer a central base from which to explore the city can stay at Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi. Ideally situated only minutes away from the famous Corniche, this Abu Dhabi city hotel is well suited for business and leisure travellers alike.

Durham Bulls Baseball Athletic Park – blending in old town Durham

Conveniently located on the downtown Durham Freeway, the Durham Bulls Baseball Athletic Park is almost a classic representation of an old baseball park. Even the scoreboard is a manual! While it blends in perfectly with the historic architecture of Durham, the park has hosted some of the biggest games of the region. The famous bull at the park was modelled according to the one used in the ‘Bull Durham’ – the 1988 film. Watch a game at the spectacular Durham Baseball Athletic Park during your stay at one of the many Durham hotels. An ideal choice would be Millennium Hotel Durham, a fine selection among the many lavish and hospitable accommodation options found throughout the city. Treating every guest to impeccable amenities and great Durham Hotel deals, this Durham Hotel will make your holiday a truly memorable one.

Six Nations Championship – Thrilling Northern Hemisphere Rugby Action!

One of the world’s premier rugby tournaments, the Six Nations Championship offers exciting rugby union action that pits six European countries against each other. Featuring teams from Scotland, France, England, Wales, Ireland and Italy, this international tournament was the first of its kind to be held in the Northern Hemisphere and the winner of this prestigious event is crowned the ‘European Champions’.

The tournament which takes place between February and March was formerly known as the Five Nations Championship before the inclusion of Italy in 2000. The Six Nations Championship takes place annually and the format of the competition is such that each country must play each other once. During these games, the home field advantage alternates from year to year. For every game won, a team earns two points and one point for a draw. At the completion of all the games, the team with the highest points is crowned champions.

On five occasions, a team has managed to win all their respective games, known as a ‘Grand Slam’, on two consecutive years; England has achieved this three times, France twice and Whales once. The most number of Grand Slams by a single team is 12, an honour held by England. The 'Triple Crown' is the term given to when Scotland, Wales, England or Ireland, win all their matches against the others.

Matches in the tournament take place at stadiums in all six respective countries. These are Twickenham in England, Millennium Stadium in Wales, Murrayfield in Scotland, Stade de France, Aviva Stadium in Ireland and Stadio Olimpico in Italy. It is also of interest that the Women's Six Nations Championship takes place during the same period of the men’s tournament.

During the Six Nations Championship there are also several individual competitions and famous rivalries that take place that add more drama and excitement to the tournament. The Calcutta Cup is the name given to the game featuring England and Scotland and is one that dates back to 1879. Inaugurated in 1988, the Millennium Trophy features England and Ireland, while the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy is handed to the victor of the encounter between Italy and France.

Those planning to take in games of the Six Nations Championship when in England can choose from a range of UK hotels such as those offered by Millennium & Copthorne Hotels UK. A renowned name in the hospitality industry, it also has centrally located London hotels that provide ideal bases for business and leisure travellers alike.

HSBC Arena in Buffalo

HSBC Arena  is a multi-purpose indoor arena situated in downtown Buffalo, New York, USA. Primarily constructed for the National Hockey League’s Buffalo Sabres, it has the capacity to accommodate over 18,600 fans. Western New York’s largest indoor arena, it is an ideal venue for basketball games, musical concerts and similar events and offers a memorable outing for young and old alike. The venue also attracts a wide range of music superstars from around the world. Travellers in search of a hotel in Buffalo New York should not look beyond Millennium Hotel Buffalo. Offering an array of elegant rooms and suites, this Buffalo hotel caters to all types of travellers.

2nd PWA Grand Slam – Windsurfing at its best

Vietnam would bring to mind men and women wearing cone shaped hats and working in lush green paddy fields, but there is definitely more to this land than just its beautiful landscape and settings. For the water sports fans there are a host of activities that can be enjoyed in this eastern country and one of the most popular amongst them is windsurfing.

Windsurfing and kite surfing have become increasingly popular in the country and scores of resorts are offering facilities to tourists with many events also taking place related to these sports. The 1st PWA Grand Slam in Windsurfing took place in Vietnam in 2011. And the event is all set to take place for the second consecutive year in 2012 from 9th to 17th March 2012. In 2011 the surfers enjoyed roaring winds as fast as 25 knots. The event features a number of men’s and women’s races with participants from all over the world battling it out in the blue waters of Mui Ne Bay in the oceans bordering Vietnam. The winds at Mui Ne Bay are regarded to be amongst the most consistent cross on shore winds while also being one of the strongest.
The annual event has become quite popular amongst world renowned wind surfers bringing in surfers from numerous countries to not just enjoy the sport but also to explore the countryside and its rich unspoiled beauty.

The surfers who come to this exotic land for the event or for surfing would notice that there are many a Vietnam hotel catering to surfing fans. A large number of resort in Mui Ne cater in particular to these sportsmen and women who throng the city to explore the great conditions the bay presents to surfers who enjoy riding the waves.  Amongst these various establishments is Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa that is located right at the Mui Ne beach offering unparalleled luxury and a great setting for any beach lover whether they enjoy surfing or not. It is a perfect place for any surfer to spend the days in this country as it is located right at the beach front providing easy access to the bay. Surfers can enjoy the action when the winds are just right for the sport and also catch the action at the 2nd PWA Grand Slam.

Great American Ball Park – for true Cincinnati Baseball

Offering premium seating and housing the Red Halls of Fame Museum, the Great American Ball Park is a big league ballpark. Home to the Cincinnati Reds it is the first professional franchise in Baseball.  Famous for hosting some exciting games that sent the packed crowds into frenzy, it has also hosted a number of special events. Situated on the banks of River Ohio in downtown Cincinnati, it is easily accessible from the city centre. Enjoy year-round baseball Cincinnati style during your stay at one of the many Cincinnati hotel rooms. An ideal choice would be Millennium Hotel Cincinnati, a fine selection among the many lavish and hospitable accommodation options found throughout the city. Treating every guest to impeccable amenities and superior services, this Cincinnati Hotel will make your holiday a truly memorable one.

The Sound and the Glory - Hong Kong Sevens 2012

Enjoy a weekend of sparkling rugby when the world’s best in the sport collide in Hong Kong in March 2012. Be part of the unique atmosphere generated by the event when rugby lovers from the world over descend on the city bringing with them a bit of their own culture adding to the buzz of Hong Kong. See rugby playing nations compete for top honours and watch your favorite players excel at their game.

See spectators in bizarre getups dancing their way through the tournament adding colour and noise to the occasion. You can even look out for that occasional streaker. The party atmosphere spills outside the stadium on to the ‘Sevens Village’ where fans watching the action on big screens party into the wee hours of the morning.

The most prestigious annual sevens tournament of the International Rugby Board’s Sevens World Series, the tourney is organized by the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union and is generally held in the last weekend in March starting on a Friday afternoon and finishing on a Sunday. Fans of the game are given an opportunity to view the high octane activity of one of the best sporting events anywhere in the world packed into a few short days. Twenty four teams vie for the honour of being the best rugby playing nation.

Kicking off in 1976 at the Hong Kong Football Club in Happy Valley ‘The Sevens’ set several new precedents such as the seven a side team rather than the full fifteen member team and was among the earliest rugby tournaments to have commercial sponsors. The initial tournament featured teams from Asia and Pacific nations, New Zealand and Australia. As the series grew in popularity and became an accepted international rugby fixture it was relocated in 1982 to the Hong Kong Stadium. Seen as a modernizing impetus in the rugby scene the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens opened up the game to a larger level of international competition that had not existed in the game before and provided an opportunity for Asian nations in particular to display their rugby skills. The Hong Kong Sevens certainly helped to popularize this action packed version of the game amongst the nations that annually take part in the competition and even beyond.

With loads of accolades and awards to its credit The Peninsula Hong Kong has demonstrated since the 1920s that it is a past master at providing the ultimate luxury hotel experience; whether it is the selection of contemporary rooms and suites, the elegant public spaces or the exceptional range of guest services this Hong Kong hotel has done it in style.

While enjoying its warm hospitality, stop by for afternoon tea at the lobby of this hotel in Kowloon Hong Kong and participate in one of its age old traditions.

Learn Archery In Abu Dhabi – A tourist attraction

Abu Dhabi (which means 'Father of the Gazelle') is not only the largest city in the United Arab Emirates but also its most traditional. Although all that is changing slowly, thanks to a rising migrant population, the capital of the UAE is one of the best places for foreigners to have an authentic Arab experience. From the food and festivals, to the customs and culture, Abu Dhabi is undoubtedly a terrific place to get acquainted with the ways of the Arab world. Tourists need not worry though as there are plenty of westernized areas sprinkled around the cosmopolitan metropolis.

The emirate boasts some terrific beaches and a few top class shopping malls, but the list of things to do does not stop there. Tourists can go camping in the desert, and live in an authentic Bedouin camp, explore the desert countryside on camel back or take up a new sport. One sport that has always held a special place in the Arabian region is archery, and one can find many training centres in the region. The bow and arrow have been around for several millennia and was once used as the main instrument of hunting and combat, although archery is more of a recreational activity in modern times.

While early day bow and arrows were made of wood, current paraphernalia is made up of cutting edge composite materials. Conjuring images of Robin Hood in Sherwood forest and William Tell, archery is actually an easy sport to pick up, although it takes a bit of practice to develop the fine skills needed to hit the target all the time. It can be loads of fun, and is a terrific activity to try out with friends.

Certain Abu Dhabi hotels provide some of the above mentioned facilities. The Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, which is located in the famous Liwa Desert, has the facilities for archery and tennis. One of the finest Abu Dhabi luxury hotels, it also offers other activities such as camel trekking, desert trekking, mountain biking, and a well equipped spa, making it a popular choice among adventure lovers and those looking to enjoy a relaxed vacation.

Dubai Rugby Sevens – feel the excitement!

The Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens is an annual Rugby tournament that guarantees the thrill and excitement of a lifetime. The action is even better with the entertainment options provided at this purpose built venue in Dubai. Boasting six pitches the entertainers of the tournament are not limited to the playes. Cheerleaders and Rock bands are also present to keep the hype going. Become one of the 120,000 fans to step into the Sevens during your stay at one of the  Deira Dubai hotels and experience the action up close. An ideal choice would be Copthorne Hotel Dubai, a fine selection among the many lavish and hospitable accommodation options found throughout the city. This Dubai hotel provides modern amenities together with attentive service to make your holiday a truly memorable one.

Scottsdale Golf

Renowned as the world’s finest golf destination, Scottsdale is home to about 200 golf courses. Some of the golf courses include Tournament of Players Golf Club which has 18 holes and possesses the natural flavor of the desert that adds to its beauty and Troon North Golf Club which stretches through the natural foothills and ravines in the high Sonoran desert. Be it the summer or winter season, the scenery amidst these courses is captivating and the temperatures are mild. An ideal Scottsdale resort located amidst stunning surroundings Millennium Scottsdale Resort & Villas. This exceptional Scottsdale AZ resort provides you with excellent comforts and service.

Fine art of the Swing - Golf in Bangkok

Enjoy a game of golf on some of the best golf courses in Thailand. Have access to top class golf courses by availing yourself of excellent golf packages that include your preferred courses, green fees, golf carts, caddie fee, transportation and accommodation. In fact it is possible to have a well organized complete golf holiday in Bangkok. As a hub for international golfing, the city offers excellent golfing facilities and amenities and challenging scenic courses.

Most of Bangkok’s golfing facilities are in neighbouring Chachoengsao, Pathum Thani and Nakhon Pathom where many of the courses have been designed and created by some of golf’s top professionals providing challenging courses and immaculate greens kept at a good speed. Some of the top golfing destinations around the city include Lam Luk Ka Country Club a few miles out of Bangkok in a lush green setting that offers a 36 hole course with excellent facilities. Pinehurst Golf and Country Club consist of three nine hole courses each having its own water hazards, mounds and tree lined fairways. Thai Country Club has been voted as one of Asia’s best courses on several occasions by the Asian Golf Magazine. This immaculate 72 par course features several water and sand hazards. Alpine Golf and Sports Club is the only manmade hilly championship course and offers a challenging well designed course. Suwan Golf and Country Club is another excellent golf facility. 

The Alpine Golf and Sports Club and the Thai Country Club have hosted many international tournaments such as the Johnny Walker Classic, the 13th Asian Games, Johnny Walker Super Tour, Asia Honda Classic and the Volvo Masters Asia. 

Whether it is a challenging course for an experienced golfer or a beginner’s course Bangkok is able to offer them all. There are around fifty excellent golf clubs around the city that offer facilities suited to the handicaps and other requirements of all types of golf enthusiasts. With more than 400,000 golfing tourists a year, Thailand has been dubbed the Golf Capital of Asia.

Experience the difference at the Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa, whether it is the spacious and elegant rooms and suites with lush garden or enchanting river views, the enormous selection of cuisine and internationally well known dining venues or the up to date leisure facilities and soothing wellness treatments; this Bangkok resort has them all. As one of the best 5 star hotels in Bangkok, this property is able to deliver on a successful blend of the relaxing ambience of a resort and urban chic.

Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, an exceptional golfing facility

The Abu Dhabi City Golf Club has acquired renown as one of the premier golfing facilities in the Emirate. Formerly it featured a sand course, but later it was transformed into the first grass course in Abu Dhabi. The course’s nine holes are the work of Ian Scott Taylor, an esteemed golf course design expert from Britain. The course is noted for offering a challenging but enjoyable experience for all golfers.
  

Visitors to the Emirate desiring an Abu Dhabi city hotel will be pleased by the Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi, one of the outstanding Abu Dhabi hotels offering well-furnished rooms and gracious hospitality.

Play Paintball in Koh Phangan!

An ideal activity for the family, paintballing in Koh Phangan offers plenty of thrills and spills for young and old alike. Those engaging in this activity can take part in such games as ‘capture the flag’, ‘find the flag’ and ‘defend your base’ which are team based events. Paintballing takes place in an expansive area which normally has a variety of obstacles and barriers that participants can use for cover while trying to get the upper hand on the opposing team. Travellers planning a family holiday to the region and in search of Koh Phangan hotels that offer the very best in contemporary comforts can stay at Rasananda Phangan Island Resort & Spa Thailand. One of the premier Koh Phangan resorts, it provides luxurious suite and villa accommodation set amidst an idyllic coastal location.

Experience the Exhilaration of Wakeboarding in Negombo

If you are on holiday in the tropical isle of Sri Lanka and you are in the mood for an adventure sport, why not try wakeboarding in the scenic beaches of Negombo? The town of Negombo is located about 10 kilometers from the main airport, the Bandaranayke International Airport. Negombo is famous as a tourist hotspot as it is a scenic fishing village along with a harbor and beaches that stretch along the coastline for about 3 kilometers. The Negombo beaches are a hotbed of activity for tourists and locals alike as there are many seaside restaurants offering delicious seafood from freshly caught produce and ayurvedic centers providing centuries-old treatments native to Sri Lanka.

The art of wakeboarding involves riding a wakeboard over a body of water where the rider is usually tied to a motorboat. The speed at which the rider rides the waves depends on a number of things such as the weight of the rider and water conditions. In recent years, the trend towards adventure water sports has risen and there are numerous wakeboarding camps available. Some of the companies offering wakeboarding camps and lessons include the Negambo Surfing School who has experienced surfers with over 10 years of experience and the Discover a Dream Spot which offer personalized lessons. Enthusiasts can also take part in the numerous water ski camps organized with professional coaches, whether you are an expert or a beginner. Some of the initial lessons take place in a nearby freshwater lagoon and equipment such as boards and bindings are provided. The season from November to April is especially great for water sports and sea swims as the water is gentle during these non-monsoon periods.

A great way to experience an adrenaline rush in this emerald isle is the water sport of wakeboarding. Travelers could stay at various Sri Lanka hotels such as the Jetwing Beach which offers its guests a luxurious stay. One of the best Negombo hotels in the region, its accommodation options include a choice of deluxe rooms and suites. Pamper yourself with a reviving Jacuzzi soak, watch the falling of a cool rain shower or enjoy a cup of authentic Ceylon tea whilst taking in the picturesque views of the scenic Negombo beaches from a traditionally crafted teak armchair.