The world's 10 happiest places

Fashion & Style, Travel & Leisure December 19th, 2009

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Daily Mail (UK) recently published about ten happiest paradise on Earth, as selected by the New Economics Foundation.
Vanuatu– It comes as no surprise that this island nation in the South PacificOcean should be named one of the happiest paradise on Earth.

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Montreal,Quebec, Canada – One of the cleanest cities in the world, people hereare extremely hospitable, and there is a diversified and rich cultureto serve host to people from all walks of life.

2009 Guangzhou Auto Show Opening

Fashion & Style, Travel & Leisure November 22nd, 2009

The annual China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition started at 2003, depend on the exceptional market and industrial advantage, with our experienced organizing and delicate service, Auto Guangzhou has become one of most famous and professional auto exhibition in China.

2009 is a significant year for the automobile industries from the world, balance the economic reduce also with a consistent extend is our attempt. Therefore, “Tech, Trend, New life” is the theme of The 7th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition. Auto Guangzhou apply its unique market position and science orientation to promote auto industries, keep leading the cars consumption trend, create an excellent match between popular brands and people life, also impulse the development of auto industries from home and abroad.

As an annual dynamic event in China auto industries, The 7th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition will combine the whole resources and abilities. Base on the exhibitors and visitors’ satisfaction, we are expecting to present a supreme ceremony for you again.

Preview of Auto Guangzhou 2009:

Date:24-30 November, 2009
Press day:23 November, 2009
Venue:Guangzhou, China Import and Export Fair Complex
Exhibition area: 135,000 sqm
Media support:about 800 media and 6,000 journalists
Visitors: estimate 500,000 people
Seminars:20 forums
Official site: The 7th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition

Russian Beauties at LowRider Auto Show

Fashion & Style, Travel & Leisure October 19th, 2009

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The Dubai's crazy Building

Fashion & Style, Travel & Leisure October 6th, 2009

ExpanD YOur cultural horizons with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Fashion & Style, Travel & Leisure August 29th, 2009

As some of the world’s great treasures tour the globe, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is offering access to many fascinating exhibits that guests might not have another chance to see, except on their travels.  For those who want a dose of culture on their next trip, Fairmont offers experiences for exploring King Tut’s tomb, the Dead Sea Scrolls and many more enticing exhibits from top international museums.  And after a full day of stimulating your intellect, cozy into one of Fairmont’s luxurious rooms for a good night’s sleep to soak it all in.

* King Tut’s tomb has proven to be one of the most popular and enduring artistic and archeological wonders in the world, and Fairmont has two properties celebrating this powerful and exciting icon.  Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs brings the ancient treasures of the Egyptian boy king, his family and royal predecessors to San Francisco through March 28, 2010.  The Fairmont San Francisco has partnered with the de Young Museum to create an exclusive package that guarantees guests VIP tickets and expedited entrance to the Kit Tut exhibition, even on dates that are sold out to the public. Starting at $249 plus tax and gratuity, the King Tut: Mummy and Me package includes a one-night-stay at the landmark hotel, two VIP tickets to the exhibition and two Egyptian Sunrise cocktails in The Laurel Court. With the King Tut: Wake Like an Egyptian package, guests enjoy elegant overnight accommodation, complimentary parking at the hotel, breakfast for two in The Laurel Court as well as VIP tickets to the exhibition, starting at $319 plus tax and gratuity.  Available through March 28, 2010.

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Mandarin Oriental Sanya, Hainan, China

Fashion & Style, Travel & Leisure July 7th, 2009

At the southernmost tip of China, off the mainland coast in the South China Sea, there exists a large tropical island called Hainan, covered in greenery and shrouded in a balmy climate. The waters are emerald-turquoise, the sandy beaches are long and white, and the vegetation is lush.

Hainan Island is not yet heavily industrialized (even though it’s a Special Economic Zone), and the island has become a popular tourist destination because of its bountiful natural beauty. In mid-2007, Mandarin Oriental is slated to open its newest property, a private beach resort nestled in the green valley of the Wuzhi Mountain range.

The Mandarin Oriental Sanya will be a peaceful retreat, situated on a secluded sandy cove with a colorful coral reef just offshore, teeming with marine life.

The resort will consist of low rise villas within landscaped gardens; its 295 rooms promise stunning views of the sunset over the sea. Other features include a spectacular spa, four large swimming pools, the only outdoor conference facilities in Sanya, four restaurants, tennis courts, high tech gym, and water sports center with snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and deep sea fishing equipment. All just five minutes from Sanya City, and 20 minutes from the international airport.

Top 10 Vacation Destinations for Pretty

Fashion & Style, Travel & Leisure July 2nd, 2009

People often set off on vacation hoping to spot some beautiful people. Especially when their destination is a tropical resort or a place famous for glitz and glamour. While everyone’s tastes are different — one thing is for sure — everyone loves beautiful sights.

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Seville, Spain

1. Seville, Spain
With cultural flare like Flamenco dancing and bullfighting, Spain is a country which sucks you in and holds you tight. Needless to say, we want to go back! Although she is not as elegant and reserved as Great Britain, not as romantic or luxurious as Paris, nor as leisurely or calm as Vienna, Austria, Spain is nonetheless as strong as a mountain and as passionate as fire.

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Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas, USA

2. Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas, USA
The leg show here is more enticing than anything depicted in the film Moulin Rouge! Arriving in Las Vegas after dark, after having passed through the desolate desert lands surrounding this glowing metropolis, you are greeted by a resplendent, magnificent city which truly never sleeps. Yes, this is Las Vegas, an inconceivably artificial city. Here, none can resist the shine of neon lights, drawn like a moth to a flame, and the characteristic casino hotels are not to be overlooked. Lose yourself in the daydream of escaping daily life. This is the entertainment center of the world.

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Hawaii, USA

3. Hawaii, USA
In Hawaii, there are no so-called “seasons”; only endless sunshine and balmy breezes. Here, men wear Aha shirts printed with colorful Hawaiian flowers, while women can be seen with fragrant flowers tucked behind their ears or fashioned into the lovely leis with which many of us are so familiar. Be charmed watching Hula dancers or big wave surfers, all while munching on macadamia nuts and fresh olives. In the instant it takes a camera shutter to click, you can live countless tropical dreams. This is Hawaii, where the charm of East meets the sex of the West.

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Key West Paradise

Fashion & Style, Travel & Leisure June 26th, 2009

Discover a city where real estate titles date back to the Kings of Spain. Stroll the palm-lined streets and discover gingerbread mansions, tin-roofed conch houses, the John Audubon House and Ernest Hemingway’s home. Walk in the footsteps of Thomas Edison, Lou Gehrig, Harry Truman, and Tennessee Williams.

Gaze at the fabled treasure of the galleon Atocha. Discover tomorrow’s fine art treasures by Key West’s well-known and unknown artists.

In Key West, you can visit these and a host of other attractions by taking advantage of convenient public transportation, taxis, pedi-cabs, tour trains, trolleys, bicycles or even your own two feet.

With its balmy weather and crystal blue skies, the island is famous among the outdoors set for its diving, fishing, watersports and golfing at the nearby Key West Golf Club, a course designed by Rees Jones.

But only in Key West would the sun shine the brightest when it sets. Everyone gathers for the never planned, always varied Sunset Celebration on the Mallory Dock.

Once the sun is safely tucked away by jugglers, mimes, musicians and street artists, the city moves to a different beat. A night beat. The streets, filled with sidewalk cafes, open-air bars, legendary pubs and world-class restaurants come alive.

Gourmets and gourmands alike treat their palates to island specialties. Drama, musicals and comedy flourish on our stages. As you enjoy these sights, you’ll discover that modern Key West is a warm-hearted place where all are welcome. The city’s vibrant Gay and Lesbian Community helped spearhead the island’s economic and social revival in the 1980’s.

However you choose to see the town, you’ll discover that old town Key West is one of America’s true architectural and botanical treasures. On even the tiniest lanes, the locals have faithfully restored old wooden homes and adorned them with lush tropical trees and flowers.

New restaurants and stores are popping up in the historic Bahama Village neighborhood, which was settled in the 19th Century by Bahamian immigrants. Hemingway loved coming here to mix with the hard-working locals at boxing matches and arm-wrestling contests.

The island’s seafaring tradition lives on at the renovated Historic Seaport district, known locally as the Key West Bight. Dozens of shrimp boats once called this harbor home.

These days, “the Bight” is a popular place to arrange a day on the water, whether you are a diver, snorkeler, fisherman or eco-tourist. Others come just to stroll along the harbor walk or dine at one of the many restaurants.

In this city of fascinating contrasts, you could easily find yourself wanting to let go of mainland hassles permanently.

Sofitel Bestowed With Wealth Of Enviable Accolades

Fashion & Style, Travel & Leisure June 25th, 2009

Beijing -26 Jun 2009 – The Golden Pillow Award Ceremony was held on 15 May 2009. The coveted China Golden pillow Awards, now on its sixth year as the leading awards programme for China’s hospitality industry, is organized by the 21st Century Business Herald & Business Travel Magazine and is recognised as one of the most prestigious hotel evaluations in China and Asia.

Accor China won the award of 2009 China’s Most Investment-value International Hotel Management and Mr. Robert Murray, Senior Vice President of Accor Greater China, won the award of “Leaders of the Hotel Industry of 2009″ two years in a row.

Apart from those two awards, one of the Accor brands – Sofitel Luxury Hotels, has also won a number of individual awards. Sofitel Wanda Beijing won the award of China’s Top 10 Most Popular Business Hotels, Sofitel Zhongshan Golf Resort Nanjing won the award of China’s Top 10 Most Popular resort Hotels of 2009, while Sofitel Forebase Chonqing was awarded with Most Luxury Business Hotel in West China of 2009.

All along, Sofitel has been known for its French elegance and quality of service. These awards not only further enhance its positioning in the international market, but also motivate continuous improvement in providing the best of hospitality. All 150 Sofitel hotels combine French elegance with the unique culture of each region, placing them among the globe’s leading brands. By using scarves of Hermes, the French traditional luxury brand renowned for their high quality production and perfect artistic design, in its guestrooms and other hotel areas, Sofitel Forebase Chongqing creates a unique and captivating design aesthetic and brings the hotel a never-before-seen artistic ambience.

The accolades endorse Accor’s reputation in hotel development and management in China, and “will certainly raise the confidence of our associates and attract more investors to partner with Accor”, added Mr. Murray.

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Sofitel, World Class Hotels & French Elegance
Sofitel is the only French luxury hotel brand with a presence on five continents, in more than 50 countries. Sofitel offers contemporary hotels and resorts adapted to today’s more demanding and more versatile consumers who expect and appreciate beauty, quality and excellence. Whether situated in the heart of a major city like Paris, New York or Bangkok, or nestled away in a country landscape in French Polynesia or Brazil, each Sofitel property offers a genuine experience of the French art de vivre.

Your Next Holiday – At Alpha Resort-Tomamu's ice village

Fashion & Style, Sports & Games, Travel & Leisure February 4th, 2009

Fancy an ‘icy’ outdoor bath during your next holiday?

At Alpha Resort-Tomamu’s ice village in Shimukappu town, you can stay in a hotel where dining room, bedroom and bathroom are all made out of ice. Even dinner is served on an ice plate.

Room charges are at 80,000 yen (S$1,340) for two per night and the hotel is open until Feb 15, 2009.

Temperatures in Shimukappu range between -1 to -10 degrees celsius during this period.