One of the world's oldest civilizations, Armenia once included Mount Ararat, which biblical tradition identifies as the mountain that Noah's ark rested on after the flood. It was the first country in the world to officially embrace Christianity as its religion (c. A.D. 300).
In the 6th century B.C., Armenians settled in the kingdom of Urartu (the Assyrian name for Ararat), which was in decline. Under Tigrane the Great (fl. 95
There?s no shortage of design themes when it comes to chic hotel style. How do owners and designers create their distinctive approach?
Colours
Colour, as anyone who?s ever decorated will know, is vital to the overall feel and atmosphere of a room. Hotels use colour to create space, warmth and light and to differentiate one area from another. Many mainstream hotels opt to keep their colours neutral, offsetting them with colours in curtain and bedding fabrics, but boutique hotels are more daring, using colour to define the hotel?s style as well as its ambience. Neutral colours are popular everywhere, with accents of brighter colours to lift the room, but many hotels choose darker, more opulent colours and bright modern colours to complement the overall theme of the building.
Texture and materials
Texture is important in design and it helps to reflect a boutique hotel?s personality. Whether it?s the warmth of wood or the sterility of stainless steel, the materials and textures used in a hotel help to define the type of hotel it?s trying to be. Minimalist hotels often use smooth textures and industrial materials, whilst those encouraging their guests to really relax will choose sumptuous fabrics and tactile furnishings. Leather, cotton, velvet in the furnishings and limestone, wood or marble on the floors all define a sense of design and luxury that turns an ordinary hotel into a special one.
Theme
Some boutique hotels are obviously themed whilst others are subtle, but a single design theme is usually carried throughout all aspects of the hotel in order to achieve a sense of individual personality and style. A deliberately obvious theme, such as music or literature, will manifest itself in the way the public spaces are designed and used ? a music room, or a guest library ? as well as in the room names and décor and the types of activities available to guests. A more subtle theme will be evidenced in carefully chosen accessories, complimentary welcome packages or services and dining areas.
The great thing about boutique hotels is that every one is different. Whilst there are common elements such as design and service that distinguish this type of hotel from the mainstream, what really makes a boutique hotel boutique should be evident as soon as you walk through the door.
By: <a href=http://www.articledashboard.com/profile/Chic-Retreats–/10317>Chic Retreats -</a>
<b>Overview</b>
The Exuma Islands are a string of Caribbean islands just south of the Bahamas. The largest of this string is Great Exuma, a land once a haven for pirates. Today, Great Exuma has an airport and is much more accessible to tourists than ever before. The primary draw of Great Exuma is its white sand beaches that spill into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. However, there are more than just beaches in Great Exuma; in fact, Great Exuma was voted as one of the top ten vacation destinations in 2004 by the Washington Post. The capital of the Exuma Islands, George Town, is located in Great Exuma, and, although it is the primary tourist destination, it has retained its relaxed atmosphere. This is the site of the Out Islands Regatta, a yearly boating event held in April at Elizabeth Harbor.
<b>Sightseeing Attractions</b>
While the fantastic Exuma coasts are a sight of their own, Great Exuma also has its share of man-made sightseeing attractions. The three main attractions are the Shark Lady Museum in Little Exuma, St. Andrew's Church in George Town, and the ancient Stromatolites.
<b>Outdoor Activities</b>
Great Exuma's beaches are nearly deserted, allowing tourists a much-needed break from the bustle of their everyday lives. They're also great places for swimming, as the currents around the islands are not strong. Snorkeling is available on every beach, but more adventurous tourists may want to snorkel at the Staniel or Crab Cays. Staniel Cay offers shallow reefs and blue holes and is the sight of the Vulcan Bomber, the ship sunk for special effect during the making of the James Bond film Thunderball. Crab Cay is the sight of the Exuma Pride wreckage, and it is also a great snorkeling location for viewing thousands of different types of tropical fish. The last huge outdoor attraction in Great Exuma is fishing. The most desired catch around the islands is the Bonefish. Deep sea boats also offer deep sea fishing opportunities, with most vendors operating out of George Town.
<b>Nightlife</b>
Great Exuma is not known as a nightlife hotspot, primarily because it is a destination for relaxation. The island has no clubs; however, get-togethers occur around the hotel districts frequently, and barbeques are held twice a week on the beaches. There is also weekend dancing available at the Two Turtles. Dining in Great Exuma is a great experience with most restaurants offering fresh fish dishes. However, don't expect to find too many different types of cuisines on the island. Most restaurants are clustered around George Town.
Sonoma County, CA- otherwise known as "wine country" is the perfect vacation destination for a relaxing and scenic trip. For wine lovers, you'll get your fix with the hundreds of wineries in Sonoma County and the neighboring Napa Valley- but wine county vacations are enjoyable even for people who aren't wine aficionados! Enjoy the Sonoma coast, one of the most beautiful seascapes in the country, and take a variety of wine tasting tours in one of the many wineries during your Wine County vacations. Sonoma County vacation rentals are varied and located in close proximity to many of the area's favorite tourist attractions.
Northern California is known worldwide for its wine production- however, staying in Sonoma County vacation rentals means you'll experience so much more than vineyards and wineries. Nature is an abundant resource, with old growth redwoods that seem miles high, gardens and orchards and farm animals making their home in the land of wine county vacations. After you've toured all of the wineries you've ever wanted to see, and tasted as many wines as you can manage, take a San Francisco Bay Area Jeep Tour and see neighborhoods that bus tours are unable to show tourists; Pacific Heights, Lombard Street, Seacliff, Russian Hill and Coit Tower. You'll see the famous Golden Gate Bridge- a must see while staying in Sonoma County.
A National Historic Landmark of California, the Sonoma Square, a central plaza located inside Sonoma State Historic Park, is the largest in the state of California. The Sonoma Square consists of a variety of historic buildings, including the first building constructed in 1823 by Father Jose Altimira during a plan to replace mission establishments in San Francisco and San Rafael. Any wine county vacation should include a visit to the Sonoma Square. If boating and water activities are your pleasure, the very large, man made Lake Sonoma should be on your itinerary.
While you stay in here, you'll be happy to know you'll have no problem finding that perfect gift for family and friends- and yourself! A wide variety of shopping opportunities from the high-end factory outlets offering discounted prices, to exclusive salons to bookstores full of hard-to-find items, art galleries, to one of a kind clothing stores. Enclosed shopping malls with brand name outlet stores make it possible to shop no matter what the weather is. As your enjoying your wine county vacation, travel some of Sonoma County's back roads and small towns for the most quaint of shopping opportunities.
Not quite as well known as wine county vacations is the number of spas located near the majority of Sonoma County vacation rentals. The word "spa" actually means "healing through water", and Sonoma County has many natural thermal springs- making it a natural location for some of the most beautiful and relaxing spas in the country. Sonoma county spas came up with the idea of healthy diets including more than vegetables and fruits with low calorie counts, and "spa cuisine" was born here. The idea of having a glass of wine with dinner was also born in Sonoma county spas. The spas combine traditional techniques with the "wine touch". You can sit in a relaxing whirlpool and view gorgeous scenery while sipping a glass of champagne; cleanse with a grape seed facial; or sit in champagne bubble baths.
You can enjoy a round or two of golf during your stay in the Sonoma County vacation rentals. The PGA Charles Schwab Cup Championship is played in Sonoma County- and there are golf courses for all levels of players and even for players on a budget.
Wine county vacations offer more than wine tastings and tours. Your Sonoma County vacation rentals give you the perfect location to experience all that northern California has to offer.
Do November's Thanksgiving experiences have you dreading the December holidays? The idea of gifts, family, and days off sounds great
Famous for mastic, olives and figs, Chios Greece is an island of breath taking scenery and old villages untouched by time. Chian amphora have been found as far away as Gaul, Egypt abs Russia. Chios island was the site of a brutal Turkish retaliation after the Greek revolt. Over 80% of the population was decimated.
Look up mastic and the island of Chios Greece is mentioned by name. Mastic is an indigenous evergreen shrub that yields a hard, bitter resin. The bark is wounded, sap oozes out and dries. When chewed, or similarly processed, the resin becomes bright, white and spicy. The resulting product is used to flavor liqueurs and chewing gum, among a long list of other foods.
Chios island is famous for mastic and for olives and figs and wine. It is famed for its breath taking scenery. Chios island is a Greek Island in the northeast Aegean Sea, about 5 miles away from the Turkish coast. This is one of the few places it is possible to take a ferry from Greece to Turkey.
Chios island is fifth largest of the Greek islands. The city of Chios, also known as Chora, is the capital and chief port. There is over 200 km of coastline. There are many beaches with clean sands or smooth pebbles. On the north end of the island, small villages rest on high mountains, seemingly forgotten by time. Residents practice age old agriculture techniques. Tourists are rarely seen. There are old citrus groves surrounded by high stone walls built to block the winds and protect the fruit.
This Greek island has been inhabited since Neolithic times. Archaeologists have discovered cave dwellings and an ancient necropolis. The size and duration of the settlements have not been well established. Chios island is thought to have been unoccupied through the Bronze Age. Later, chiefdoms developed. It is generally accepted that Homer was a native of Chios Greece. Ionians most likely colonized the island, most likely emigrating from the mainland. Chios island was one of the ancient members of the Ionian League, the largest exporter of fine wines. Chian amphora, clay vessels bearing a sphinx emblem with bunches of grapes, have been found as far away as Gaul, Egypt and Russia.
Beseiged by Rome, Chios Greece was held next by the Persians. Christianized while being held by the Byzantine Empire, Chios island was next occupied by the Saracens. In the early1200's, Venetians claimed Chios Greece, then passed it on to the Genoese. Chios island prospered under Genoese rule until the Turkish takeover in 1566.
In 1821, Chios Island joined in the general Greek revolt, and for some reason was singled out for especially severe punishment by the Turks. Most of the population was slaughtered, enslaved or managed to escape. Over 80% of the population was annihilated. That massacre of 1822 triggered massive outrage throughout much of Europe, and is still remembered today.
Greeks retaliated, some time later, by blowing up a Turkish ship in their Chios' home port. Even later, in 1881, a massive earthquake killed many of those living on the island. In 1912, Chios island became part of Greece, as it is today.
Here are also a couple of more travel tips which can help you out while visiting Greece
Europe or the "Old World" as it is often referred to, is one of the seven continents of the world and in terms of area, it is the world's second smallest continent - the smallest being Australia.
Europe was the most popular international destination for Americans in 2004 and according to the latest research, American travellers highly regard the Old World not only for its history, culture, and cuisine but also for their historical connection with many Americans having fought in 2 World Wars, having a family link with or being able to trace their ancestry all the way back to Europe.
Europe is small geographically, but in terms of population it is probably the third-largest continent with about 11% of the world's population representing a changed and changing tapestry of cultures, languages, and borders with 25 separate countries, and their citizens who increasingly identify themselves as European rather than English, French or Italian, now forming the European Union.
Whatever your idea and expectations of what constitutes a dream holiday, a <b>European Vacation</b> will fulfill your expectations beyond compare. It is a veritable traveller's paradise waiting to be discovered and explored. And what is especially important for tourists is the absence of visa restrictions within the 25 countries forming the European Union.
Although there are variations, the European continent enjoys a very pleasant climate which is classified as temperate. The climate is greatly influenced by maritime tropical, maritime polar, continental polar and continental tropical air masses. But generally speaking, we have warm summers and cool winters - the perfect backdrop to an enjoyable European Vacation Tour.
<b>Major Countries to Visit</b>
There are so many countries to visit and diverse cultures and languages to experience and indulge that no one individual article or travel brochure can provide you with the full scope of what is available to see and do on your European vacation Tour
When you are travelling to the caribbean, whether it be Mexico, Cuba, Bahamas, or the Dominican Republic, you will want to be fully prepared so that you can make the most of your trip and your caribbean vacation investment. There are several areas of caribbean travel that you will want to keep in mind.
There are tips that you can keep in mind in areas like booking the vacation, packing, flight, arrival and check-in, resort and hotel, excursions, food, and other general areas.
Here are a few examples of some <b>caribbean travel tips</b> that you will want to keep in mind:
<ul> <li>Try to make an effort to speak a few words in the native language down there. They appreciate it!!</li> <li>Anything like mouse for your hair, shampoo, creams etc that may explode in your suitcase on the plane should be packed in plastic bags or alternatively put in your carry on.</li> <li>Try to understand that check in may take some time and that depending on the time of arrival rooms may not be ready. Since check-out and maid service must happen before you can check into your room, this is sometimes the case. </li> <li>Bring insulated travel mugs for drinks! You will understand this on once you get down there, especially if you hate drinking your alcohol from tiny plastic cups.</li> <li>Do try to go on a few excursions off your resort. You will have so much fun and will really get to see much more of the culture of the country. Catamarans are very fun, as are jeep tours. Both are worth the money. </li> <li>Drinks made with milk (i.e. pina coladas) should not be consumed in high quantities. Drink these as treats and not as your only drink of choice. The milk acts as a diuretic and can also cause a lot of diarrhea. </li> <li>If you are visiting a country where only bottled water is allowed, then make sure you brush your teeth with bottled water and use sanitizer after washing your hands in the washroom. When in the shower, keep your mouth closed at all times and try not to get water around your mouth or in your eyes. </li> </ul>
These are just a few caribbean travel tips that will help make your caribbean vacation go smoothly. You can see a full list of over 50 caribbean travel tips by following the link.
The "Cr? de la cr?" of your travel to Barcelona has to be a tour to Gaudi's masterpiece, the unfinished La Sagrada Familia. Its towering spires form one of the most recognized international landmarks. La Pedrera, a combined apartment and office block is another Gaudi wonder with its distinctive wavy pattern and multihued chimney pots.
It is true that Barcelona merits a voyage by dint of its spectacular architecture only. But its parks are worth a tour too. The Pedralbes Royal Palace gardens is an oasis of beauty with its exquisite foliage, as are the Jardins Moss?Costa i Llobera and the Jardins Moss?Cinto Verdaguer, atop the Montju?hill and the Park de la Ciudadella.
Park G?, designed by Gaudi, is however the pick of the lot. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park has earned the tags of surrealistic, expressionist and modernist and can definitely form one of the highpoints of your travel to Barcelona in Spain.
After you have soaked in the architectural splendors during your travel to Barcelona in Spain, turn to the other Barcelona attractions. Some popular beaches around the city fringes are Nova Icaria, Bogatell, Barceloneta and the Mar Bella, Barcelona's sole naturist beach.
Metropolitan Park of Collserola, the Sant Lloren?nd the Montseny natural parks will appeal to all nature lovers with their rare flora specimens, wildlife and stunning scenery. There are two medieval Benedictine monasteries, one of them built by the first sovereign count of Catalunya. These Barcelona attractions lie on the outskirts of the city but are worth a journey while you are touring Barcelona.
The largest aquarium in Europe, L'Aqu?um and Universal's Mediterranea, an inimitable amusement park on the Impressionist style are the other Barcelona attractions of note.
For a football fanatic, a tour to the Barcelona FC, base for the La Liga team is almost an obligation while on a travel to Barcelona in Spain.
With the plethora of things to do in Barcelona, you will find your days flying. There are shops selling everything from designer wear to art and antiques, restaurants dishing out the choicest tapas and a vibrant nightlife.
The Barcelona facts point to a city that is a unique blend of the old and the new: quite a rarity in itself. Amidst the splendid architecture, resplendent natural beauty and an array of tourist activities, time will fly when you travel to Barcelona in Spain.
If you have been longing to have a vacation at the Caribbean, you better wake up and plan at spending your dream vacation at the US Virgin Islands. Come and see for yourself the beauty and rich culture of the exceptional islands of St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas, and Water Island. The US Virgin Islands, often referred as the American Paradise, remain as one of the most sought after destinations in the world. The US Virgin Islands where turquoise-blue waters, teeming with marine life, and white-powdery-sand shores, are always visited by vacationers.
These islands offer a wide variety of exciting activities to their visitors. The beautiful beaches, amazing shopping centers, premier accommodations, and a rich culture and history are not to be missed. In addition, many historical places, plantation ruins, old buildings and magnificent views from the hills are all worth your time. St. Thomas has multitude of activities which will make your stay even more memorable like the breathtaking views from Mountain Top, Drake's Seat, and Paradise Point. Overwhelm yourself with the numerous festival held in Frederiksted and Christiansted throughout the year. Or, have camping at the campground of the US Virgin Islands National Park.
These beautiful tourist sites are accessible through, jeep, taxi, bus, vans, or by walking only. US Virgin Islands car rental is a very popular, easy and fun way to get around on your own in the island. You just have to remember always that you have to drive on the left. The US Virgin Islands is the only part of the states that drives on the left-side of the road. For you to enjoy your pace as you explore the island, the speed limit is 20 mph if you are in town, and 35 mph anywhere else.
Virgin Island car rentals are located right at the airport, where arrangement can be made if you want to be picked up right at the airport or at your hotel. If your destination is to the island of St. John, you can always pick your rented car at St. Thomas and take it by ferry for free. But, there are car rentals in St. John, you might as well make your reservations there than in any other place to save you time.
Exploring the islands is best done by renting a car or jeep. If you would like to explore the island at your free time, and at your own pace the best way to do it is by having your own mode of transportation. Virgin Island car rentals are available at the airport, hotels, resorts, and in the main towns
Average prices in the US Virgin Island car rental ranges from $38 - $70 per day. Depending on season or time of year the prices may vary. Vans and trucks are available. Special packages and discounts are always available, so it is likely for you to get lower prices.
Renting a car will allow you to see and enjoy the island at your own pace. Many agencies are available for you to pick. Virgin Island car rentals have a variety of vehicles, jeeps, and cars which can accommodate up to 8 or more passengers. It is practical to hire a car if you plan to spend several days on the islands.