Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Taj Fort Aguada Beach Resort, Goa

Vivanta by Taj loves to delight. Concierge Services. When you need something done in Goa, When you need something done in Goa, our concierge is the man to ask.
Goa hotels
Overview: Built on the ramparts of a 16th century Portuguese fortress, this resort is part of a sprawling 73-acre complex overlooking the Arabian Sea. Situated in close proximity to the beach, Vivanta by Taj – Fort Aguada, Goa offers a range of spacious villas and cottages. With its exotic tropical beauty, pristine beaches, nine restaurants, Taj Spa, and vibrant local culture, guests can discover many opportunities for fun. The Resort offers many activities for sporting enthusiasts from adventure mountaineering to tennis and squash.

Goa hotels
Location

Situated in close proximity to the beach, Vivanta by Taj – Fort Aguada, Goa offers a range of spacious villas and cottages.

Accommodation

All the accommodation provided by Travelmasti are in the most comfortable hotels/resorts/camps, handpicked especially for you, offering the best stay to make your business or leisure trip, simply 'worth it'.

Goa hotels
Rooms and Suites

Superior Rooms with private sit out:

The Superior Rooms with private sit out, of 312 sq. ft, are single rooms in the main building. They offer a view of the landscaped gardens. Inter connecting rooms available on request on the ground level only. All rooms have a private sit-out and are equipped with central air conditioning, overhead fans, and electronic safe, comfortable bathtubs. Color TV, coffee plungers, wi-fi, direct dial telephones, tea and coffee maker, stocked minibar & hairdryer.

Goa hotels
Superior Sea View Rooms

The Superior Sea View Rooms, of 312 sq. ft, are single rooms on the ground and first floor in the main building. They offer a view of the sea. Rooms are equipped with central air conditioning, overhead fans, and electronic safe, comfortable bathtubs. Color TV, coffee plungers, wi-fi, direct dial telephones, tea and coffee maker, stocked minibar & hairdryer.

Goa hotels
Superior Sea View Rooms with private sit out

The Superior Sea View Rooms with private sit out, of 312 sq. ft, are luxurious single rooms on the ground and first floor in the main building. They offer a view of the sea. All rooms have a private sit-out and are equipped with central air conditioning, overhead fans, and electronic safe, comfortable bathtubs. Color TV, coffee plungers, wi-fi, direct dial telephones, tea and coffee maker, stocked minibar & hairdryer.

Goa hotels
The Cottage Garden View

The Cottage Garden View, are recently renovated and luxurious, with an area of 400 sq. ft, nestled on a hillock. These are spacious rooms set in a block of 2 or 4 rooms per unit. The Cottages are equipped with central air conditioning, overhead fans, and electronic safe, comfortable bathtubs. LCD TV, DVD players, coffee plungers, wi-fi, direct dial telephones, tea and coffee maker, stocked minibar & hairdryer.

Goa hotels
Terrace Suites

The Terrace Suites, of 604 sq. ft., are luxurious with one bedroom, an attached powder room, and a terrace. The rooms are available on the lobby level and one level higher in the main building. They have Sea view. Rooms are equipped with central air conditioning, overhead fans, and electronic safe, comfortable bathtubs. Color TV, coffee plungers, wi-fi, direct dial telephones, tea and coffee maker, stocked minibar & hairdryer.

Goa hotels
Private Villa 1 Bedroom – Garden View

The Private Villa 1 Bedroom – Garden View, of 700-800 sq. ft, is nestled on a hillock behind the main building. It is a very spacious, luxuriously appointed, stand alone one-bedroom villa with a private lawn and verandah. Some villas have an attached dining room. All villas are equipped with central air conditioning, overhead fans, and electronic safe, comfortable bathtubs. Color TV, coffee plungers, wi-fi, direct dial telephones, tea and coffee maker, stocked minibar & hairdryer.

Goa hotels
Private Villa 1 Bedroom – Sea View

The Private Villa 1 Bedroom – Sea View, of 700-800 sq. ft, is nestled on a hillock behind the main building. It is a very spacious, luxuriously appointed, stand alone one bedroom villa with a private lawn, verandah and a view of the sea. Some villas have an attached dining room. All villas are equipped with central air conditioning, overhead fans, and electronic safe, comfortable bathtubs. Color TV, coffee plungers, wi-fi, direct dial telephones, tea and coffee maker, stocked minibar & hairdryer.

Goa hotels
Private Villa 2 Bedrooms – Sea View

The Private Villa 2 Bedrooms – Sea View, of 1650 sq. ft, is nestled on a hillock behind the main building. It is a very spacious, luxuriously appointed, stand alone villa with two bedrooms, a dining room, a living room and a verandah. These villas enjoy a superlative view of the sea. It has a private lawn with a hammock. All villas are equipped with central air conditioning, overhead fans, and electronic safe, comfortable bathtubs. Color TV, coffee plungers, wi-fi, direct dial telephones, tea and coffee maker, stocked minibar & hairdryer.

Goa hotels
Private Villa Three Bedrooms – Sea View

The Private Villa Three Bedrooms – Sea View, of 2253 sq. ft, is nestled on a hillock behind the main building. It is a very spacious, luxuriously appointed, stand alone villa with three bedrooms, a dining room, a living room and a private verandah. The villa enjoys a superlative view of the sea. It has a private lawn with a hammock. All villas are equipped with central air conditioning, overhead fans, and electronic safe, comfortable bathtubs. Color TV, coffee plungers, wi-fi, direct dial telephones, tea and coffee maker, stocked minibar & hairdryer.

Goa hotels
Dining / Food and Wine

From casual, all-day eateries to formal, fine dining, guests can look forward to a wide selection of delectable dishes and refreshing drinks.

At Taj, we offer a distinctive dining experience, one that explores the nuances of the finest Indian and international cuisines, serving traditional and contemporary favourites.

Goa hotels
Fish Tail: At Fish Tail, romantic gazebos and al-fresco dining make for an experience too tempting to pass up.
Attire: Semi Formal

Ii Camino: Guests can experience delicious Italian fare as well as friendly atmosphere and service.
Attire: Semi Formal

Goa hotels
Morisco: This elegant destination, overlooking the Candolim-Calangute beach, inspires with ultra-fresh seafood.
Attire: Semi Formal

Sea Shell: Sea Shell serves up a variety of cuisines with spectacular views of the Arabian Sea.
Attire: Semi Formal

Goa hotels
Sfx: Serving tasty sandwiches and beverages, SFX offers excellent views overlooking Fort Aguada and the beach.
Attire: Informal

Facilities and Services

Business Services: Doctor on Call, Money Changer.

Recreation: Beauty salon, Fitness Centre, Massage rooms, Swimming pool.

Hotel Address

Sinquerim, Candolim,
Bardez - 403 515
Goa, India

Tour Services India

Intruders



Look at those greedy little motherf-ckers. They're definitely not scared, not even of me sitting here without make up and all while I'm frenetically typing away on my computer as the computer nerd that I am. Nice with some company though. I think we agreed on that the species is bananaquit, or sugar birds, last time we brought up the subject? And yes, that's sugar they're eating from my saucer.. just wait till they dive into the milk jug.

Spicy prawns






















All those food images that I've indulged in these past two days got me inspired to try out something new and exciting. Been quite dry in the food and cooking parts of my brain lately but I'm feeling the inspiration flowing again, thank god says Alex who can't stand pasta and bolognese one more day, eh? (yes currently in our house I'm the only one who cooks as Alex is working the hardest of us two). Anyways, so today I bought some prawns and made a spicy prawn and mushrooms concoction, cooked it all in olive oil, garlic, cayenne, chili, parsley and a squirt of lemon juice and served it with Caribbean long grain rice cooked in butter. Here presented on one of those beautiful Moroccan plates we got on our journey over there. Alex can attest the prawns tasted even better than what they look in this photo so I think I might be doing them again in the near future. Maybe with pasta and a wine sauce next time? I used uncooked prawns and soaked them in oil and spices before heating them up in the pan. Took me about 12 minutes in total.

Foodspotting



Just like Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and the BLOG wasn't enough, I am now also sharing the best meals we've enjoyed around the world on Foodspotting. Foodspotting is basically a food community where you can share photos and recommendations of a meal that you've encountered and loved. Will see how long it lasts with this sudden interest in all things new social media but you can currently find my Foodspotting profile here. I guess the day when we get out traveling/sailing again, these things will slow down but as I'm glued to the laptop now anyway, I'll give it all a try, for now.

Good morning


Not shy at all. On islands like these you'll find goats, cows, horses, dogs and cats strolling around freely. I find it kinda charming that the traffic sometimes gets stopped or slowed down because cattle or horses have decided to have a slow walk on the roads. Would probably not work in many other parts of the world but here it does most perfectly. You can't be in a rush when living on an island like this.

Ice Hotel In Sweden City

The hotel which is the much strange of the entire world is certainly the Swedish Ice Hotel, which reinvents itself each winter tons of snow and ice materialize.

The hotel can accommodate over hundreds guests in the room of origin, where the temperature is at the limit of 5-7 degrees Celsius. Incredible hotel and chapel are ice perfect Art Gallery and bar, ice bar home first time in 1995. For those that do not support a temperature so low, also Ice Hotel has numerouse rooms with heat.


Ice Hotel In Sweden City

Ice Hotel In Sweden City

Ice Hotel In Sweden City

Ice Hotel In Sweden City

Ice Hotel In Sweden City

Ice Hotel In Sweden City

Ice Hotel In Sweden City

Monday, January 30, 2012

Another obsession


Just another social media thing to get obsessed with... follow my pinterest here to see what inspires me. Still empty but I'll be filling up with more of my favorite images and products shortly..



Dream holiday in Croatia in Lopar

Lopar located in the northwest of the island and is the farthest from the largest city of Rab. Lopar got its name after the small church of St. Mary, in the 16th Century was mentioned. At the point of Cape Zidine can see the remains of ancient architecture, were built to defend, to the public.



Lopar is rich in natural diversity that is the sea, sandy, fertile soils, forests and unusual images from nature as well as to express the green olive-shaped cliffs, overlooking the northeastern islands Goli and Grgur.

Who should think about his next vacation and still do not know where to go, the times of Croatia, especially thinking about the island of Rab. And on this beautiful Croatian island is located Lopar, this is a small village with about 1,200 inhabitants.

The accommodation in Lopar

On the island of Rab in Lopar there are numerous accommodation options for all sizes and price ranges. Hotels, guest houses, holiday houses and apartments are plentiful. Above all guest rooms are plentiful and are used by tourists from all over the world gladly accepted, as these are also very cheap. For less than € 15.00 per person per day, such a guest room can be rented. For families with children are particularly holiday houses right on the beach, or lying near the beach. Here are holiday homes, to have and at very reasonable prices right near the beach, for up to 15 people. It is important here, however, the timely Booking an accommodation in Croatia.



The events in Lopar

Lopar has a lot to offer to tourists, which is not initially suspected, because the place is very small. In the summer months, usually in July, there will be a Fishermen's Festival, a celebration with fireworks, games and artistic program. This festival is very popular especially among children, even children are welcome guests in Lopar. These parents also felt in the hotels and restaurants. Then there is the night of Lopar, here are old customs and traditions of the region, presents a very nice event for young and old. Sporting events, it has also been given, it was here in 2009, the Croatian Diving Championships.


Attractions and restaurants

Lopar has to offer quite a bit of interest, such as the two churches (the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Church of the Holy Virgin Mary) that are in place and must be viewed easily.

And the local gastronomy is also highly recommended for everyone is the right place here. This can be seen on the Internet and search for "Lopar-gastronomy". Simple items, visit, get information and book your next vacation may be in Lopar. Once you've been here, will always come back for sure. Have fun in Croatia and especially in Lopar. Read More Click Here Holiday In Europe

Beautiful beaches of Antigua

Antigua is known to have 365 beaches, one for each day of the year, and while we've not been to close to most of them yet, we can assure you this country boasts with some of the most beautiful beaches we've seen in the Caribbean. Many of them are sheltered by expansive coral reef and the water is warm, clear, calm and the white sand gives the water the right bright reflection. The South West side of the island, by Picarts bay (just by OJ's beach restaurant) where we spent our yesterday, is a favorite area because of the extensive Cades reef that protects the shoreline. It is not uncommon to see large wild turtles swimming in these warm waters and the water hosts an abundance of brightly colored tropical fish, rays, smaller reef sharks, lobsters and beautiful coral of every different shape and color. And on land, the beauty and sound of the water quietly lapping on shore would get even the most stressed out person relaxed. We have many more beaches to discover and our mission for the moment is to pay a visit to at least one new beach each week for our remaining time on the island.

You can find more beaches on Antigua on my friend Stephanie's blog, here on Sugar Ridge's website.

Golden

.. All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream.

I stand amid the roar
Of a surf-tormented shore,
And I hold within my hand
Grains of the golden sand-
How few! yet how they creep
Through my fingers to the deep..

... is all that we see or seem
But a dream within a dream?

From: A dream within a dream - Edgar Allan Poe, 1849.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Picarts bay

That's where we hung out today in between squalls and steaming hot sunshine.

Sunday morning

Photo from my 'office'.

Have a bright and pleasurable day everyone, we'll be spending most of ours by the beach.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Istanbul City Skyline

Istanbul City Skyline
Istanbul City Skyline
Istanbul City Skyline
Istanbul City Skyline

Istanbul City

Istanbul City
Istanbul City
Istanbul City
Istanbul City
Istanbul City

Vancouver City

Vancouver City
Vancouver City
Vancouver City
Vancouver City
Vancouver City

Regarding a blogs authority and importance online


Let's continue with the questions you had for us. Warning for a long answer to one single question.

Q: On your "advertising" section you say: "They say this is the worlds largest and most famous independent sailing/cruising blog..." What does this mean and how do you know your blog is the largest independent sailing blog?
 We have followed your world tour for a year now and wish to leave for a similar journey ourselves one day. i see you have done well in promoting your trip and the blog is a success, your ideas would be helpful as we too would like to set up a blog for our journey when we set sail. Thank you. /Phil and Susann

A: Many of you have wondered about what we mean with that, let me explain: When I say "they", I refer to the overall authority and popularity which this blog has on the world wide web, compared to other independent blogs. There are a few ways to determine your websites relevance and importance online. One and the foremost is to check how many visitors your website has, this is easily done with the various analytic and statistic programs that you can find online. We use Statcounter and this is what it looked like yesterday when I checked our traffic for the past 30 days.


As you can see we got a bit more than 104.000 unique visitors and around 187.000 visits between Dec 28th and Jan 27th. Usually we have around 120.000 unique visitors and 210.000 visits monthly but the traffic slowed obviously down a bit during Christmas and New Year as people been busy doing other things than hanging online. Should be back with 120k unique, or more, next month.

That's a fair amount of visitors, but how do I know that we have more than others, and that our blog is so "popular"? First you can register your blog in different blog portals where you can get an idea of how many readers you have in comparison to other blogs/pages (like this one where we are #1 of all sailing/boat websites worldwide). Numbers on these portals are never 100% accurate but gives you an overall picture of how you stand in relation to the other websites on that specific portal.

Second, and even more important, thing to do is to check your page rank which is Googles valuation of your website. There are many blogs which has many readers, but your Google authority and your popularity online are only determined by the amount of backlinks (meaning sites writing about your blog) as well as the quality of the links that are sent your way. We have been blessed with having many readers who not only love what we do but who also have enjoyed sharing our story with their friends and followers. That is a successful project and blog in my eyes, when the many hours you spend working online is compensated by generous quality backlinks. The more links you got from sites with a high pagerank, the higher page rank/authority will you eventually get for your own site. Click here to check your page rank.

Your page rank is pegged on a scale 0-10 and the higher your site ranks on that scale, the more valuable it is in Google's eyes. Our blog has page rank #5, which is very high being an independent blog without support from a large newspaper platform or such. Every website or blog whose aim is to make money on their site wants to have as high pagerank as possible so you can dominate search engine rankings and to be interesting in the eyes of advertisers.

When compared with other sailing/cruising/sport/travel blogs or any other blog for that matter, our rank as 5 is regarded to be very good. Most of the independent blogs out there has somewhere between 0-3, some has 4 whereas 5-7 is considered to be very high. To give you a comparison, Facebook and Google has rank #10 obviously, Amazon has #9, Greenpeace #8, New York post has #7, Garance Doré and West Marine has rank #6 and Laser Performance got #4.

Websites which are in the same "league" as us with pagerank #5 are Conde Nast,  Blondinbella (one of Sweden's largest blogs written by an inspiring young business woman/blog personality), American ApparelNot without salt (one of the most popular food and cooking blogs on the Internet) and Style by Kling (one of the world most famous fashion bloggers).

To check what page rank you got, just type in your own website here and if you'd like, compare your rank with your favorite sites. We are today offered a good amount for ads and partnerships with our blog and considering the amount of inquiries we've received since we've started, a blog like ours is apparently a perfect place to be seen.

If you'd like a tips regarding how to make your blog successful, I can tell you the only good way that I know, which is to be interesting, unique and genuine in your production. You should be faithful to your niche as well as to your readers and instead of constantly chasing new followers, focus on making a damn good blog and to build an intimate relationship with the readers you got and the rest will follow. You will need to spend lots of time and energy on your project and daily updates are crucial when looking for to create and develop a highly ranked blog. There are today over 156 million blogs in existence so you better be unique, dedicated and hard working in order to stand out among the rest. It's all about building a true and strong foundation, just like with any other business.