In the 1920s Monaco destinations guide became the place for the rich and famous to come and play, driving big cars, betting big bucks and drinking copious amounts of fine champagne. It still hosts such strenuous activities, but these days as much fun can be had in watching those at play than those taking part.

Monaco's millions
If there's anywhere in Europe where the rich are free to flaunt their wealth it's Monaco. Diamonds, designer clothes and Ferraris are vital accessories in the leading local past time - showing off.

Perched on the cliffs looking out to sea, on France's Côte D'Azur, Monaco is one of Europe's smallest Independent States. It is also, for its size, one of the world's richest, with possibly more millionaires than anywhere else on earth. Nowhere is this more on show than in the harbour.

There's certainly no shortage of extremely large and expensive yachts in the marina. At 50,000 pounds a day, not including fuel, the luxury super yacht, Savarona, is all yours. With its solid silver sinks, and Turkish bath, it's very Monaco.

However, don't be alarmed. Luxury in Monaco does not have to be quite so ostentatious. Craig's hotel Columbus was among the apartment blocks of La Fontvieille in the commercial district. It has a distinctively hip and laid-back feel about it. It's also a good place to chill out away from Monaco's social whirl.

It's no surprise that eating out in Monaco is expensive so it's worth taking advantage of the Brasserie. Dinner is included in the price of the package. This hotel has stirred things up a little and it's a refreshing addition to some of the stale traditional hotels you might otherwise find.



Formula One, anyone?
The streets of Monaco are like any ordinary streets for every day of the year except on a certain famous weekend, making this the only grand prix circuit in the world where you can live out your formula one fantasies while popping out to the shops.

The big players still come to Monaco to stake fortunes on the role of a dice. Gambling has been a serious pastime here since the 19th Century with takings from society's high rollers keeping the principality awash with cash.

This is a hard place to do on a budget, so if you've had enough of the extravagance and expense you can jump on a train at Monaco's main railway station, and head down the coast. A 50-mile train ride will take you away from it all and at just £1.50.

Ten miles west of Monaco is Villefranche. Since the last century, it has been a favourite haunt of the English well-to-do. The harbour area and the beach are the town's main attraction. It's worth exploring the pretty streets as well. Sunday morning is a good time to visit Villefranche, when the town holds a weekly antiques market, a kind of glorified car boot sale flogging items from Monaco's glamorous past.

Poser's paradise
Back in Monaco harbour and there's always another excuse for the locals to show off. The annual Riva regatta is one of many society events held throughout the summer and there's no shortage of spectator sports for the weekend visitor to enjoy.

Caribbean holiday guide are everything you want them to be...from luxury sunshine paradise to unforgettable rainforest adventure
From diving to honeymoons, cruising to golf, wedding to eco-adventure, music to history, Caribbean holidays has it all


The men, women and children who arrived from Europe, Africa and Asia have also contributed to the creation of humanity’s richest melting pot. The renowned Caribbean culture of peace and aversion to war is the result of our mutual understanding of others' beliefs, lifestyles and ability to adapt. The Caribbean today is one of the few places free from internal agression.

The results of this unique meld of history and culture can be seen in our faces, our buildings, our languages, our food, our museums and our monuments.

At the highest levels of achievement, there are Nobel prize winners including St Lucians Derek Walcott, the poet, and economist Sir Arthur Lewis, along with Mexicans Octavio Paz, the writer, and economist Alfonso Garcia Robles.

The Caribbean has also produced some of the world's most renowned artists, musicians and novelists, such as Trinidad's V S Naipaul.

Travellers to the Caribbean made a further contribution by finding inspiration and insight here. Famous incomers include Gaugin, Hemingway, Graham Greene and Nöel Coward. You can see their retreats today.

Wherever you are in the Caribbean you are likely to find something or somewhere that will remind you of your homeland – and always something more to expand your horizons.

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Destination-skipping or “island-hopping” is easy within the Caribbean as the islands lie close together. There are inter-island ferries, ranging from old-fashioned schooners where visitors rub shoulders with islanders, fresh produce and crates, to modern hydrofoils that whisk you between islands in air-conditioned ease.

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Holidays are a time for relaxation – but they are also the best opportunity to get a little adventure into your life. The Caribbean offers an extraordinary range of exciting activities on foot, on horseback, by boat or land transport.

Bring some sturdy walking shoes and hike through the stunning scenery. In many Caribbean countries, you can join a free organised hike, follow one of the many marked trails or hire a guide. Trails vary in difficulty from leisurely 20-minute walks to a full day’s journey up steep and difficult terrain.

Hiking or walking brings you closest to the unique beauty of our region. Go on a flamingo watch or join a birdwatching hike and thrill to the sight of some of the most colourful and rare birds in the world. Ask your guide about the exotic plants and animals. Then, after a hard descent, cool off in a whirlpool at the foot of a cascading waterfall.



If exploring by boat is more your style, take your pick from kayaking upriver, through a mangrove swamp or in the sea. Join an expedition in dugout canoes that will take you through wild rapids and falls – and allows time for fishing, camping or mountaineering.



Take the opportunity to explore labyrinthine underground caves with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, bat colonies, rock paintings and underground waterfalls. You may even be able to swim – we have some of the world’s longest subterranean waterways.

Caribbean Holiday Guide

Dubai sports consists of traditional Arabic style sporting events as well as western games. This page will describe main sports and sporting events in Dubai. Whether you want to participate in or watch, this page will provide you all information about sports in Dubai.

News this week that WH Smith has signed an exclusive deal with Penguin travel guides in their 460+ shops, including most airports and train stations has disgusted me. On the rare occasion I do purchase a guide book I want choice not restricted to a certain brand.

You will not be able to purchase guides from the likes of Frommer’s and Lonely Planet.

Last week I purchased an AA city guide to Venice from a WH Smith but I for one will be purchasing any future guide books prior to my arrival at the airport. My meagre purchase of the occasional guide book will not bring WH Smith to its feet, but I suspect I will not be the only person boycotting them.

Debate on the future of the guide book

You have to also think about the writers who write for smaller brands or are independent. The debate over the future of the travel guide book is one that has been discussed at length. If more outlets like WH Smith go down a similar route could this be the end of the travel guide book.

Money talks

I do not know why WH Smith have gone down this path, I suspect its because it’s a lucrative deal but for consumers it’s not right and it’ll only be a matter of time before we find out of if it’s the right decision. I am interested to read your comments on their decision.

The bay of Cabo San Lucas, at the southernmost tip of Baja, was once a base for pirate ships waiting to pounce on Spanish treasure ships. Even fifteen years ago, it was little more than a fishing and canning village occasionally visited by adventurous sports fishermen with the means to sail in or fly down, but it quickly earned a reputation for the marlin that could be caught here, and the once-quiet place found itself inundated with fishermen in search of El Marlin Azul, home to sleek, radar-equipped fishing yachts.

In recent years, it has rapidly become the focal point of Los Cabos: million-dollar condos have sprung up, palms have been transplanted, golf courses have been laid, water has been piped in from San José and everywhere is kept pristine. More like an enclave of the US than part of Mexico, preserving almost nothing that is not geared to tourism, it can be fun for a day or two, unless, of course, you want to fish or dive. Though prices are higher than in neighbouring San José, there's more of a party atmosphere, with a younger crowd. Currently there are some 3000 rooms for rent, and the local feeling is that 10,000 is the next feasible "goal" that would equate the town with the long-established resorts such as Mazatlán or Acapulco. Upcoming developments include an enormous mall that will comprise a convention centre, a theatre complex, a bowling alley, a huge parking outlet and condos, and there are even plans for an artificial island to sit in the bay, complete with restaurants and bars.

FRANKFURT AM MAIN is called �the Manhattan of Germany� because of its location on the Main river. The city is the financial heart not only of Germany but also of the European Union, pumping euros into the world economy. Frankfurt is a dynamic metropolis and for many visitors it will be the first point of call in Europe, because its airport is the largest in terms of passengers on the European continent.

During World War II Frankfurt was deeply bombed, and as consequence, its medieval city was destroyed. Happily, the city recovered quite quickly after the war, and its modern shape was formed. With the rebuilding process, one of the Europe�s most efficient underground transportation systems was developed. That system includes a subway train system (S-Bahn) and a deep subway with smaller coaches (U-Bahn). Frankfurt also contains the tallest skyscraper in the European Union, the Commerzbank Tower, which is also the second tallest on the continent (after the Triumph-Palace building in Moscow).

Frankfurt is frequently seen only as a transit hub or a business centre, but it is so much more. In fact, it is a prosperous cultural centre for the entire Hesse, with a good collection of theatres, galleries, museums, amongst them some architectural highlights. While Frankfurt is not the size of London or Paris, it will not keep you wanting in terms of cultural activities.

Frankfurt is a city with two faces: On the first it is the competitive financial capital of Germany and on the other it is a civilized place which spends more on the arts than any other city in Europe. If you have more time to spend, Frankfurt is a perfect starting point for daytrips up the Rhine River towards Rudesheim or Heidelberg and only a 30 minutes train trip away from Wiesbaden, Mainz or Marburg.

Welcome to the

The city of Izmir is located in the Aegean region in western turkey, at the gulf with the same name Izmir. Called as �the Peal of the Aegean�, is the third largest city and one of the most important commercial and industrial centre in the country. Izmir is also the second largest Turkish sea port.

Studies and excavations prove that Izmir dates back to 3000 B.C. During the ancient times Izmir was known as Smyrna and was initially built on the Tepekule site today as Bayrakli. Later, in the Turkish era the city of Smyrna was re-named Izmir...

Turkish main cities are well covered with hospitals and private clinics available at reasonable costs. In rural areas and the east of the country, health services are less developed. The majority health cares services have bilingual professional and speak a foreign language. Medical facilities and standard of health care are not high in state hospitals and private health insurance is highly recommended.

It is recommended receive inoculations for Polio and Typhoid before travelling to Turkey. Also there is a risk of malaria in the south-eastern, but there are no reports of infection in main tourist areas. Some cases of bird flu have been reported in northern, eastern and central Turkey, but there is no evidence of the virus passing between humans.

To entry to the country there are no vaccination requirements, but is recommended to take care before to go to the country.

Water in the country are treat with chlorine, but to avoid any type of stomachic upset is recommended bottled water for drinking. Food from street vendors should be consumed with caution.

Health Precautions for Travel to Turkey
To reduce health risks visiting Turkey is recommended consider the following precautionary health measures.

• Take your malaria prevention medication before, during, and after travel, as directed
• Mosquito and insect bite prevention
• Avoid drinking non-treated water - try drink only bottled water.
• Eat only cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself.
• to prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not walk barefoot.
• Avoid eat food from street vendors.
• To avoid rabies try to not handle animals especially monkeys, dogs, and cats.
• Use sun block and take sunglasses and a hat.
• 
  

  
  

Turkey has a diversified climate, its regions contrast from each other due the diverse nature of the landscape, and particularly for the existence of mountains running parallel to the coasts. While coastal regions have milder climates, the inland Anatolia plateau has hot summers and cold winters with limited rainfall.

In the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts the climate is cool with rainy winters, and hot moderately dry summers in contrast to the Black Sea coast that receives the greatest amount of rainfall. The Anatolian Plateau is much more subject to extremes than the coastal areas, where winters are especially severe and the temperatures could down from -30°C to -40°C in the mountainous areas in the east. However in the west, winter temperatures average are below 1°C. Summers are hot and dry with temperatures above 30°C.

The climate in the Black Sea area is wet and warm on summer the average is 23ºC and on winter 7ºC. In Eastern Anatolia and South-Eastern Anatolia there is a long hard winter; days and nights are cold with the snow lying on the ground from November until the end of April with an average temperature of 13ºC. During the summer the average is 17ºC. Western Anatolia as well as the southern coast of Anatolia has a mild Mediterranean climate with average temperatures of 9ºC in winter and 29ºC in summer.

Mountains close to the coast prevent Mediterranean influences from extending inland, giving the interior of Turkey a continental climate with distinct seasons. In Istanbul and around the sea of Marmara the climate is moderate in winter the temperature can drop below zero.

Turkey has many ways to move through the country and is well served by air, buses and taxis services. There are an extensive and well maintained road network linking the towns, cities, and popular tourist areas. Train system is limited and slow in comparison with buses; also there are shared taxis or minibuses called Dolmus covering short stretches and linking rural villages.

By plane
Turkish Airlines serves the major Turkish cities as well including the busy Istanbul-Ankara hubs. There are available fly services from Turkish Airlines, Onur Air, Fly Air, Pegasus Airlines and Atlasjet among others. The main airports in Turkey are Esenboga in Ankara, Atatürk in Istanbul, Adnan Menderes in Izmir and Sabiha Gökçen at 40km from Istanbul on the Asian Side.

To go from/to airport to/from the city centre very often there are available Havas bus, which is much cheaper than taking a taxi. Dolmus are also a good option.

By Bus
Buses are the main form of transportation in Turkey, very easy to use, economical and usually comfortable. The major regional transport hubs are all interconnected with regular services and currently Ulusoy, Varan, Kamil Koc and Pumukkale are considered the top bus companies in Turkey. The first one is more expensive than the others and Pamukkale is usually the cheapest. Although, there are many other different bus companies covering different parts of the country.

For long distance journeys usually most people take overnight buses.

The Dolmus are a kind of shared taxis or minibuses covering relatively short distances and are very cheap. They can be hailed everywhere on the route, they do not have stops.

By Train
Turkish rail network system covers limited numbers of cities and tourist spots and is slower travel compared with the bus. Turkish Railways (TCDD) operates passenger trains all over the country, the company count with sleeping cars, couchettes and restaurant cars. Some are air-conditioned. Fares are comparatively low, but are more expensive for express trains. Discounts of 20% are available for students (though a Turkish student card may be required), groups, round-trips and passengers over 60. Children aged seven and under travel free. Tickets can be purchased at TCDD offices at railway stations and TCDD-appointed agents.

By Road
Turkey has an extensive and well developed road network with many main and secondary roads linking all over the country among towns, cities and the popular tourist areas. A highway is opened between Istanbul and Ankara, as well as some other highway sections in different regions of Turkey. The E80, E90 and Trans European Motorway (TEM) are the three main roads leading to Turkey from the European borders and also linking to the Iran and Iraq borders.

In big cities and on the main roads the traffic is generally heavy and you can spend lot of time trying to get to your destination but driving in Turkey is not too complicated, they drive on the right and the Highway Code is the same as the European countries.

There are many rent-a-car services in Turkey, despite Turkish authorities are strict the requirements are not complicated, so you will need a driving license with an International Driving Permit.

By Sea
Passenger Ferries, there are several cruises in the Mediterranean sea and many shipping companies serving the ports of Trabzon, Samsun, Istanbul, Dikili, Izmir, Cesme, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Marmaris, Antalya, Alanya, Mersin and Iskenderun.

Car Ferries, there are a wide range of car ferries for visitors wishing to take their cars while site seeing. Venice, Ancona, Izmir, Istanbul, Antalya and Kusadasi are on the main route of these ferry lines.

Turkey has much to offer for the visitors, its geography and climate offer a wide range of opportunities to practice any sport and activities to do.

Sailing
Bordered by four seas, the Black Sea, Marmara Sea, Aegean Sea and Mediterranean Sea, Turkey offers a great opportunity to enjoy of cruising by the seas and at the same time appreciating of the plethora of archeological sites, castles and temples around the coasts. There are many cruising charters available.

Gulets, before used for fishing and transportation, now are very popular to make journeys. Best Gulets are built in Marmaris and Bodrum.

Scuba Diving
Turkey along its coasts and especially in the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts offer great places to dive. Despite that Scuba diving in turkey is relatively new it is developing rapidly. Its coastline abounds with sheltered coves, bays and uninhabited islands, rich and varied marine life, numerous reefs, majestic rock formations, curious caves and sharp drop-offs.

There are special requirements for foreign divers, they should have official documentation of their qualification, training and must be accompanied, when diving, by a licensed Turkish guide. The limit for diving with diving gear is 30 meters. To dive exceeding 30 meters they must do it with the proper diving and medical equipment

Kas in the Lycian coast is the most popular place for scuba diving. It offers clear water with visibilities up to 40 meters, comfortable water temperature of 25-28 degrees and its possible to see underwater canyons, shipwrecks, caves, bizarre reefs.

Bodrum is another great place to dive in. There are sheltered seas with visibility average of 20 meters, water temperatures range from 17 - 22°C during the season which extends from mid April to late October.

Rafting & Canoeing
Although, Turkey is not well-known as good place to rafting, in fact there are some excellent rivers that provide perfect conditions for canoeing and rafting; both for professionals and rookies. Some of the best rivers for rafting are: Coruh, Barhal, Berta, Firtina, Colak, Koprucay, Manavgat, Dragon, Goksu (Silifke), Zamanti, Goksu (Feke), Kizilirmak and Dalaman Cayi.

The river Coruh in the Kackar Mountains in northeastern Turkey is readily acknowledged as one of the world�s top ten for rafting. Its origin is in the province of Bayburt and flows for 250 km to terminate in the Black Sea. 4th World Water sports Championships was held here in 1993 with approximately 300 competitors from 28 countries. The Coruh River is best for rafting from May to September and the prime months are May and June.

Fishing
Turkey has plenty fishing areas especially in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Fishing can be done without a license in some non-restricted areas and just by amateurs. To get more details concerning fishing zones, the permissions and rules can be obtained from the Department of Fisheries at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

Football
Turkey in the last decades has been experimented a great development in a number of sports especially with football. Football is Turkey�s national sport and is played in all around the country. The most popular teams are Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, Besiktas and Trabzonspor, being the Galatasaray the most success, winning the 2000 UEFA Cup and European Super Cup. Turkey in the last years has exported many of its players into top foreign teams principally into European Clubs like Barcelona, Milan, and Parma among others. As well as sending players abroad, the Turkish league has also attracted players into Turkey.

Skiing
Turkey�s geography and its climate have created great conditions for skiing and winter sports. Turkey is mainly mountainous, and many regions have cooler climates than the major resort areas. There are several ski resorts in Turkey, which offer skiing facilities spanning from November to May.

The main ski resorts in Turkey are Uludag in Bursa, located at 1 ½ hours south of Istanbul by ferry and bus. This very popular resort is at 2453 meters. Kartalkaya located in outskirts of Bolu, slopes at 2221 meters' (7300 feet) altitude. Ilgaz at Kastamonu in the north of Ankara in Kastamonu province, the ski center is at 2000 meters (6600 feet). Sarikamis located in Kars at 2120 meters (7000 feet) of altitude and Palandöken in Erzurum is Turkey's coldest and highest (3150 meters/ 10,300 feet) offering with good hotels, good conditions.

Wrestling/Oil Wrestling
Wrestling in Turkey is very popular and another national sport. Yagli gures means literally oiled wrestling. Every year since 1640 Turkey�s wrestlers � men and boys � have gathered for their national championships on a grassy field held on Edirne. The wrestlers wear tight short leather trousers called "Kispet", made of water buffalo leather weighing approximately 13 kilograms, and they cover themselves with olive oil.

Turkish territory along its history has been birthplace of many different cultures and civilizations. Since 6500 B.C. Hattis, Hittites, Phrygians, Urartians, Armenians, Persians, Romans, Seljuks and Ottomans have left important signs of its civilizations through the country, ancient cities, ruins and the cultural heritage that make of Turkey so unique.

The most remarkable civilizations in the Asia Minor where undoubtedly Byzantines and Ottomans. The Byzantine Empire also known as the Eastern Roman Empire with Constantinople as its capital was founded by Constantine the Great in AD 330 and survived to the collapse of the Western Roman Empire; for 1100 years the Byzantines were able to maintain control of their empire until the wars with enemies from the east principally Ottomans. After that Byzantine Empire declined the Ottoman Empire occupied and expanded their territorial control over Turkey and some parts of Europe, Africa and Western Asia, but the Ottomans� ambitions of territorial control over the Mediterranean and Central Europe also brought many enemies and wars with them, causing the collapse of the Empire that governed the Mediterranean over 623 years.

Ottoman Empire�s collapse culminated with its participation in the World War I allied to Germany in 1914. The alliance was defeated by Allied powers and that brought the instability inside the Ottoman structure. At the end of the War, the Anatolian territory came under British and French control and Istanbul was occupied.

The occupation of Istanbul and Izmir by the Allies led the establishment of the Turkish national movement under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Pasha known as �Ataturk� or �father of the Turks�, a distinguished military and Hero of the War. The Turkish War of Independence was started with the aim of revoking the terms of the Treaty of Sèvres. In 1922, the occupying armies were repelled and the country saw the birth of the new Turkish state. Consequently the Sultanate and Caliphate were abolished.

In 1923 was signed the Treaty of Lausanne which led the international recognition of the sovereignty of the newly formed "Republic of Turkey" as the successor state of the Ottoman Empire, and the republic was officially proclaimed on October 29, 1923 in the new capital, Ankara, with Kemal Ataturk as its first President.

The new republic concentrated its beginings to make great changes into its social, economical and political structure, following the Western model. Political social and economic reforms were introduced by Ataturk and after his death in 1938, Turkish politics continue to form the ideological base of modern Turkey.

Day 1 Istanbul
Arrival to Istanbul Airport and transfer to hotel by agency representative, short info before check in and remainder of day at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2 Istanbul
Full day tour with licensed tour guide visiting the world famous landmarks and heritage of Istanbul. Sights include the Blue Mosque, St Sophia, Topkapi Palace Museum, Ancient Hippodrome lunch at local restaurant and Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi). After the tour, return to hotel and evening at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul

Day 3 Istanbul - Ephesus
In the morning join on a half day cruise on the Bosphorus which separates the Asia and Europe. During the cruise visit the Spice (Egyptian) Bazaar and Rum Eli Fortress. The afternoon is then at leisure until transfer to the bus station. Travel on overnight bus from Istanbul to Kusadasi / Selcuk (Direct flights from Istanbul are also available if you prefer to fly).

Day 4 Ephesus
If by overnight bus, arrival early morning and after a short rest, depart on a full day tour to visit the remains of Artemis Temple, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Then on to visit Ephesus Ancient City, the best preserved Greco-Roman city in the world. Here you will explore the Agora, Odeon, Curettes Street, public toilets, Celsius Library, Roman Baths, Grand Theatre, Marble Street. After a lunch break depart for the House of Virgin Mary and visit the chapel where she is said to have spent her last days. End the day with transfer to your hotel and the evening at leisure. Overnight in Seljuk or Kusadasi.

Day 5 Pamukkale - Cappadocia
Breakfast at the hotel and then depart on a full day tour to visit the natural formation of the travertine's at Pamukkale and the ruins of Hierapolis, end of the tour, transfer to the bus station for overnight travel to Cappadocia.

Day 6 Cappadocia
Arrival early morning and transfer to hotel for short rest before starting the tour to visit Devrent Valley, Zelve Open-Air Museum, Monk's valley (Pasabagi) where you will find the world known fairy chimneys. Break for lunch in Avanos and then continue on to the Goreme Open-Air Museum where you will visit the numerous rock carved churches and monasteries. Depart for a panoramic view of Esentepe and then on to Uchisar, a natural rock castle Overnight in Cappadocia

Day 7 Cappadocia - Istanbul
Another full day tour this time to visit the famous Derinkuyu Underground City. Afterwards a short hike through the green Ihlara Valley along the stream visiting some of the churches along the way. Stop in Belisirma for lunch and then on to Selime for a panoramic view. Stop at the Agzikarahan Caravanserai is included. At the end of the tour free at Goreme village before transfer to the bus station for overnight coach back to Istanbul with arrival early the following morning. (Direct flights also available if preferred).

Day 8 Istanbul
If by overnight bus, arrival to Istanbul early morning. Option to extend package with additional night(s) in Istanbul or transfer directly on to Istanbul Airport for return international flight.

Perfectly placed in Brighton's Regency Square, Hotel Una is a cosy boutique hotel spanning three floors of a Georgian townhouse. Open since 2006, each of its 20 rooms are named after rivers of the world and decorated with an individual twist. WTG's Caroline Lewis takes a look.

Hotel Una is located in one of the most regal spaces in Brighton – the large rectangle of Regency Square, right off the seafront and smack in the middle of Georgian architectural supremacy.

Behind a sensually lit facade, sits a tiny reception and an even smaller lift. But inside, wood panels and elegant lighting make sure everything looks sleek rather than stuffy. It's small scale but neatly done.

Despite the majorly modern interiors, Hotel Una has remained true to its heritage and situation - contemporary lighting, original artwork and avant-garde furniture haven't done away with the Regency architectural feel.

Once I was whisked up and installed into 'Wista', one of the luxury rooms, I began to feel at home. The room was like a city apartment with separate bedroom, enormous TV and lengthy sofa. Aside from the duvet (give me some goose down and I'm anyone's), favourite features had to be in the bathroom - sparkly black walls, Molton Brown goodies and a hugely oversized shower head. In the morning, an over-eager chambermaid burst in, in search of either a clean room or a glimpse of me in a towel. I think I'll go for the former.

In other parts of the hotel, 'Eden' is one of the largest rooms. It has the fortunate position of overlooking the sea through windows that are both high and wide, making it beautifully bright and breezy. If this wasn't enough, the view out to sea can be admired from inside the freestanding bath that's perched close to the window. More? It has a balcony, the bed is super kingsize and the sofa is upholstered in finest dark brown leather. The current guests had initially booked for two nights but were still there after six.

'Danube' can have similar superlatives applied - it's another with the tempting bath-with-sea-view option.

Views aside, down in the basement there are rooms that have their own private mini spa. Spacious 'Aragon' and secluded 'Belise' have private saunas and whirlpool baths and the resident masseuse will come to you for treatments that include hot-stone and Thai massage.

Hotel Una's self-declared Premier Room is 'Quaile' - and it's a truly luxury suite. Attributes include a full home cinema plus leather recliners, a private bar with complimentary spirits and an Illy espresso machine and a large meeting table for eight.

There is a small dining room at Hotel Una where you'll feel cosy rather than cramped - but if you prefer, fill out the form and have your breakfast brought to you. The choice is impressive but, for the best porridge you'll ever eat, go for the Scots porridge with maple syrup. Served up on a huge tray at the time you choose, I opted for a leisurely 9am. Leaving that duvet was a struggle.

Hotel Una also has a (contemporary-styled, of course) bar that's open for non-residents till 11pm and for residents all night. Stop for coffee in the day or a sophisticated drink at night. An exclusive range of spirits is stocked, including a fine selection of cognacs such as Hennessy Paradis.

The owners have worked hard to create an atmosphere that makes you feel decadently relaxed and sumptuously comfortable. Their aim is to make you want to keep staying that one extra night. And with the stylish surroundings, unbeatable location and friendly staff, you might just want to.

Hotel Una
55/56 Regency Square
Brighton
BN1 2FF
Tel: (01273) 820 464.
Website: www.hotel-una.co.uk

Author: Caroline Lewis

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San Antonio is home to basketball stars the Spurs, so take in an evening game at the AT&T Center and marvel at the gangly dexterity of the former world champions. Then, out into the night, try a cocktail or two at Bar Rojo, situated in the Grand Hyatt San Antonio, a setting so ornate and vibrant you'll be lucky not to lose an eye.

If it's the first Friday of the month stroll down to Southtown - an area that acts as an enclave for artists - where you'll find galleries open until late and the streets filled with vendors selling food and crafts.

Try the famed River Walk at night, the bars and restaurants twinkling beneath strings of multi-coloured fairy lights. Pop into Dick's Last Resort and swoon over nachos laden with chili tequila queso and sour cream washed down with draught beer. Avoid taking an unintentional dip in the still (and sometimes unfenced) waters and head to Market Square and the 24-hour Mi Tierra Café y Panaderia, or if you'd rather the quiet life, take the elevator to Bar 601 near the summit of the Tower Of The Americas and watch the city fall away and glimmer silently beneath your feet.

As night falls, the sound inside Kicks sports auditorium can reach deafening levels and the language becomes so colourful that it runs right off the spectrum and that's just on the track. Welcome to Roller Derby Houston where all-girl teams with names like the Psyche Ward Sirens, Burlesque Brawlers and - perhaps most pleasingly - the Machete Betties struggle to impress their femininity on their fellow racers as they jostle for position around the oval track, or failing that, chip someone's tooth. This neon lit, lipstick-smeared spectacle is great fun and perfect entertainment for those of you who were disappointed when the Romans stopped pitting fighters against each other in gladiatorial combat.

From the ridiculous to the sublime, and Texas' biggest city is a cradle for the arts, with four world-class companies; the Houston Symphony, the award winning Houston Grand Opera, Alley Theatre and the Houston Ballet are all prominent features of the city's social landscape.

Beside relaxing yourself and enjoy the scenic view, cyclists and roller skaters are everywhere. I really enjoy to cycling along the beach...it has total of 11.6km of bike trail, but I failed to finish the whole trail....Honestly, it's a nice place to sweat! Haha!



I enjoy having my barbecue chicken in my hand with the greenery surrounding...I felt so peaceful....


Along the trail, there's a Campsite with washroom facility. There were quite a numbers of campers having their tents and enjoying the foods....



I was attracted by the outdoor facilities of the Singapore Outward Bound School East Coast Campus.
And I'm wondering about staying in this nice place, possible? No, I'm not the student here...

Beside this Campus, there's the Water Venture@East Coast.


Some photos of the Wind Surfers.







Beside the Windsurfing, there are also the Extreme Sport where the surfers surf on the surfboard with Parachute, they called - Kitesurfing. Below are some photos....