All about travel

Kandima Maldives on the largest island in Dhaalu Atoll

PatrickJullien

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3. August 2022

Kandima Maldives on the largest island in Dhaalu Atoll

The bohemian 5-star lifestyle resort Kandima Maldives stretches over a length of three kilometers in the Dhaalu Atoll in the Indian Ocean. As the southern part of the Nilandhe Atoll, which is geographically and administratively divided into two parts, the Dhaalu Atoll is one of the smaller atolls in the Maldives at 23 x 38 kilometres. Of the approximately 50 islands, only five are inhabited by locals. On numerous islands, which are now uninhabited, there are several relics of the old Buddhist cultures. For thousands of years, the Dhaalu Atoll has been considered a special place of power, with a quiet and almost untouched nature of blue lagoons and white beaches.

The island is just a 30-minute flight from Male International Airport to the domestic airport in Dhaalu Atoll, followed by a 20-minute boat ride to the island. The Kandima-Resort experience is always a little different from normal: creative, unusual, surprising, unconventional and never boring – from the décor to the activities to the cuisine. Kandima Maldives innovatively embodies the best that the modern Maldives has to offer. Kandima prides itself on genuine hospitality with a personal touch and a resort with innovative solutions that use the latest technologies.

About Pulse Hotels & Resorts Pulse Hotels & Resorts was founded in 2015 and is the umbrella brand for a range of innovative and modern hotels and resorts built on a core philosophy: “Be smart, playful, rooted and responsible”. As a creator of extraordinary experiences, the company uses commercial and innovative thinking to develop hotels, resorts and properties that fascinate, inspire and excite.

Kandima Maldives is an almost revolutionary lifestyle resort concept in the luxury segment of the Maldives, but at affordable prices. The resort is part of Pulse Hotels & Resorts and caters to guests of all ages: families, couples, groups of friends, and honeymooners. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, water and island adventures, wellness, fitness or just time with your loved ones, this beach resort with 264 accommodations offers something for everyone. The resort has one of the longest outdoor pools in the Maldives. Football, tennis and volleyball courts, gym, aquaholics water sports and diving centre and much more, make it arguably one of the sportiest resorts in the Maldives. The impressive resort wants to be “a place for everyone” and offers affordable holidays in the heart of the Maldives.

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10 unusual details

The power of the coconut

The Maldivian coconut is a local beauty star: large and plump, it is harvested on the islands and processed without the use of artificial ingredients. In the esKape Spa, coconut milk and coconut oil are used for treatments that nourish the skin in the long term.

Pool record

New pool party dimensions: with a length of 100 meters, Kandima is one of the longest pools in the Maldives. Paradisiacal conditions for every enthusiastic swimmer.

Sport for everyone

The selection of sports on offer, especially in the water sports sector, makes the Kandima the most “sporty” resort in the Maldives. Whether classic ball sports and aqua fitness, gym, diving tours or yoga on the beach: nowhere is exercise more fun than on the island. Stand-up paddling and jet skiing are not to be missed.

Glass canoe

A tour in a glass canoe gives an undisturbed and unforgettable view of the underwater world and around the resort. The home of the whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, turtles and the coral reefs can be observed safely and after a few paddle strokes. If you don’t like paddling at all: take one of the dolphin tours offered and get very close to the dolphins jumping and swimming around.

Kandiland for children

Kandima Kids Club, Image: Kandima Maldives

K stands for children! The kids “Club Kandiland” is open every day for children from 4 to 12 years old and offers program and fun for the young guests. Particularly popular: the unique water playground and the climbing wall. Once a week there is a mini disco at the beach club.

Insta-Snap

The large swings hanging on ropes in the water are the perfect backdrop for photos and are often used for posing and posting. The resort also has its own photo studio: a professional team of photographers offers personalized photo and videography services tailored to the needs of guests.

Local cuisine

Local Love: Maldivian cuisine can be tasted once a week at a large Maldivian buffet at the Azur restaurant. Traditional live music will be played.

K for Cinema

Caribbean cinema: On the big screen on the beach, you can watch Hollywood classics and films by Maldivian artists in the open-air cinema in the evening.

Medical Care

An in-house hospital with state-of-the-art medical technology such as ultrasound, X-ray and decompression chamber is available to guests around the clock. German GPs, nurses, a dentist and a dive safety officer are always on site and stationed at the resort.

Understanding

Kandima guests come from all over the world, so the staff speaks many different languages, including English, Mandarin, Hokkien, Russian, Arabic, French, Hindi, Thai, German, Croatian and Swedish!

The accommodations

Studios & Villas: Smart, spacious and stylish!

The 264 studios and villas are anything but ordinary: the bright and spacious rooms are stylishly and comfortably furnished, and each dwelling comes with an open, spacious bathroom. The outdoor areas of all room categories are large and provide a view worthy of a photo wallpaper. The studio and villa size ranges from 55 m2 to 105 m2.

Each domicile is equipped as standard with an in-room entertainment system with 40-inch LED TV, minibar, hairdryer, safe and coffee machine. Depending on the equipment, a semi-outdoor bathroom with bathtub and rain shower, a freestanding bathtub with sea view or a private terrace with whirlpool and access to the lagoon are further living highlights.

Sunset Aqua Pool Suite

Located at the top of the Aqua Villa jetty, the Sunset Aqua Pool Suite offers the best spots to watch the sun disappear behind the horizon. The accommodations have a spacious living area, a separate bedroom, a huge infinity pool and a private overwater deck with sun loungers.

Ocean Pool Villa

These ultra-cool villas are among the best of both worlds: half beach and half water. From its own private pool, guests have uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean.

Aqua villa (with and without whirlpool)

Located above the water, with direct access to the lagoon, these villas are perfect for those who want more sea. Whether from the private terrace with sun loungers or the bathroom, the view is unobstructed over the extensive lagoon. Some of the Aqua Villas also have a Jacuzzi.

Sunset or Sunrise Beach Pool Villa with Hot Tub

Located right on the beach overlooking the lagoon, these spacious villas are perfect for watching either the sunrise or sunset. A private deck extends to the pool with endless views of the Indian Ocean. The villas are equipped with a king-size bed and sofa bed. On the wooden veranda at the front there are sun loungers and a private jacuzzi.

Beach villa with whirlpool

Located right on the beach, these spacious villas are ideal for enjoying the sand. The villas overlook the crystal clear lagoon side of the island and feature a king-size bed, sofa bed, wooden terraces at the front with sun loungers and a private jacuzzi.

Beach & Sky Studios

Beach Kandima Maldives — Image: Kandima Maldives

Welcome to your own cool and stylish retreat. From here, guests can enjoy the perfect view of the extensive Kandima lagoon above the treetops. There are eight Family Sky Studios, connected by a lounge area, perfect for a group of friends or families who want to stay close to each other.

Gastronomy

In the Kandima Resort, ten restaurants and bars offer culinary variety and delicacies from all over the world. Whether in a group or a romantic meal for two on the lonely beach, no culinary wish remains unfulfilled. A delicious mix of Maldivian and international cuisine with reference to local ingredients and home-grown vegetables and herbs provides variety and joy for the next meal.

Destination Dining

On request, the Kandima resort also offers individual catering: Whether it’s a beach BBQ dinner for a group of friends or a romantic dinner on a desert island, a private chef and his crew will ensure perfect dining.

Deli

In the casual and stylish food boutique, you will find everything you need for a quick bite, and the fresh delicacies can also be enjoyed on your own premises. The deli has a delivery service, which can be easily ordered via the K’ app.

Meal Plans

Dishes from the fresh and varied buffet, à la carte every evening in a different restaurant or would you prefer room service? For the culinary supply, Kandima offers a selection of different meal plans that reflect the individual needs of the guests. All categories, from the extensive Platinum all inclusive to Dine around all inclusive, Full Board Plus, Half Board Plus and Bed & Breakfast, also include free access to gym, table tennis and darts, as well as 24-hour check-in and check-out.

Restaurants & Cafes

Azure

This chic beach house is located on the beach, has indoor and outdoor seating. During the day, Azur offers a small but fine menu. At night, it becomes an elegant beach restaurant with numerous Mediterranean dishes, fish, tapas, steaks, pizza from the oven and delicious wines from its own wine cellar. With an expansive garden area, Azur is also perfect for outdoor gala dinner events for larger groups or families and friends.

Flavour or Zest

The freshest flavours from around the world can be found in this stylish, bright, modern dining room restaurant with multiple live cooking stations and self-service areas. Chefs from all over the world prepare the tempting dishes right in front of the guests. There is also a children’s corner with mini furniture, special food and a play area for the little VIPs.

Aroma

Perched above a natural lake, the Aroma Café serves specialty coffees from the fertile highlands of southern Ethiopia to beans from smaller family-owned businesses in Batin Baru, Indonesia. The café regularly hosts painting and handicraft courses with local artists.

Smoked

Smoked is all about perfect steaks, fresh fish and incredible sunset views. Meat, fish and vegetarian dishes are prepared in the open BBQ kitchen and teppanyaki grill: from perfectly seasoned babyback pork ribs from the smoking pit to dinosaur-sized tomahawk steak.

Sea Dragon

Inspired by ancient architectural designs of the Far East, this restaurant is an attraction in itself. Sea Dragon offers authentic Asian cuisine with a modern twist, from freshly caught fish from the waters of Dhaalu Atoll to succulent lobsters and crabs.

Bars

Live music and DJs

Music plays a big role in the Maldives. International DJs provide the special beach feeling with the appropriate music. Every Wednesday and Saturday, local bands play live music.

Forbidden Bar

Access to the Forbidden Bar is through a psychedelic tunnel and is only accessible to adults. Live DJs from all over the world play late into the night and bartenders mix the tastiest cocktails on the island.

Breeze Pool Bar

Breeze is the place to relax, unwind, dance or watch the stunning sunset. While live bands and hip DJs provide the right beach sound, guests can enjoy a tropical cocktail or a puff from a shisha pipe.

Beach Club

The Beach Club is the perfect meeting place for families and couples alike. DJs entertain holidaymakers with party tunes, and fruity drinks can be found at the bar. Those looking for relaxation can retreat to the stylish cabanas above the turquoise pool.

Pool Party & Happy Hour

With house beats from Maldivian DJs, fruity cocktails, a chic atmosphere and a magnificent view of the Indian Ocean in the Beach Club and Breeze Pool Bar, grey, cold everyday life from the DACH region is quickly forgotten. During happy hour, even at a bargain price.

Activities and recreation

The sportiest resort in the Maldives

Welcome to the tropical activity jungle, which is open around the clock and for which boredom is a foreign word. Whether it’s speed, action, relaxation or the beauties of the underwater world – there is almost nothing here that does not exist. The resort has state-of-the-art sports facilities such as the BURN Fitness Center, a fitness pavilion, tennis, badminton and beach volleyball courts, and a soccer field right next to the ocean. The three-kilometre-long beach is perfect for jogging or yoga in front of an exemplary sunrise.

Ashore

Fitness
In the BURN Fitness Center, guests can train their fitness independently or with the help of a personal trainer. The offer also includes numerous group courses such as Aqua Fun & Fit, Pilates, Kross Fit, TRX Suspension Training, POUND® Fit, boxing and traditional yoga, as well as the popular aerial yoga (yoga in a cloth).
Tennis
In addition to racket rental, the internationally renowned Sunball Tennis Academy offers a large and professional tennis service: individual, partner or group lessons for all levels from beginners to tournament players, courses and camps for children and teenagers, singles, doubles and children’s tournaments as well as weekly group lessons for testing.
Soccer
Pitch perfect! A game in the shade of the palm trees with the ocean as a backdrop? The resort’s football field offers the ideal combination of sport, fun and holiday feeling.
Beach volleyball
A no-brainer on every beautiful beach is, of course: beach volleyball. The super soft sand is particularly suitable for hitting a few balls and, of course, throwing yourself on the ground as it should be.
Skydiving
A small jump out of the plane, but a great souvenir for eternity: the breathtaking 360-degree view of the unique Kandima (Desti)Nation. This ultimate adrenaline booster is right for professionally licensed skydivers, extreme adventure enthusiasts or beginners who want to jump tandem with one of the experienced instructors.

The water world

Diving/Diving School
Dhaalu Atoll is one of the most pristine regions in the country. The waters of the atoll are perfect for beginners, but advanced divers can also explore even greater depths and enjoy the thrill of drift diving in stronger currents.
Snorkel
A platform allows guests to snorkel at the edge of the reef and experience the fantastic underwater world of Kandima. Occasionally, some dolphins swim to the reef and “greet” the snorkelers.
Water Sports & Excursions
Kandima’s diving and water sports centre AQUAHOLICS offers a wide range of water activities and excursions, such as para-sailing, kite surfing, deep-sea fishing or visiting a neighbouring island inhabited by locals.

The Kids Club

Kandiland

The little VIPs are just as important as the adults. In fact, they are so welcome in this place that Kandima can truly be described as a dream destination for families. Kandiland, Kandima Kids Club, is run by a dedicated, multilingual team of certified childcare providers and offers a daily program full of fun and informative activities. Children from 4 to 12 years old are welcome at Kandiland. Parents of infants (12 months to 4 years) can also take advantage of a baby-sitting service. Very special: you are welcome to take the little ones with you on spa appointments, because the wellness professionals of the esKape Spa have great treatments on offer especially for children.

The Spa

A massage with a view of the ocean and – with a bit of luck – even dolphins jumping around in the water: the award-winning esKape Spa is visited by most guests more than once, because this place is as magical as if from another world. Total relaxation and soothing beauty treatments, peelings with regional ingredients and massages in the Maldivian, Thai or Balinese style. They are particularly proud of the rich products obtained from the local coconut, whose trees are allowed to thrive with nothing but sun, salt water and sand. For the production of coconut oil and milk, the company deliberately works with traditional suppliers from the Maldivian islands in order to involve and support the local community.

Escapism

A full-body scrub that leaves the skin feeling smooth and renewed. This is followed by a unique Maldivian Ocean Dream massage with a variety of techniques that relieve deep-seated tension. Salt water from the local ocean is used for the massage.

Sea Coconut Secret

Maldivian coconut is revered by locals for its nourishing and calming properties. The wellness journey begins with a ritual to care for the feet, followed by a gentle exfoliation. The skin exposed to the sun is given a suppleness that lasts for many days.

Paradise me

A two-hour treatment that includes massage, peeling and a treatment with coffee syrup. An energizing caffeine kick for the skin. Thanks to the vitamins and antioxidants in coffee, wrinkles are reduced and pigmentation disorders of the skin caused by sun exposure are eliminated.

Eskape Honeymoon Package

Each of the six treatment rooms is equipped for couples’ massages. In this way, the bond of marriage can begin with a real pampering time: tensions in the body are treated away, the inner fire of the body is awakened to strengthen the nerves and gain clarity and joy.

Nourish and Glow

After an intensive body peeling, the skin is extensively massaged with the nourishing Gold Dry Body Oil: relaxation plus a velvety soft, golden shimmering complexion.

Eskape for little guests

While the parents are pampered, the kids get the same “Oh-so esKape” treatment! The treatments take place together with mum and dad in the room.

Kool Things

‘I Do’ With a View

From the perfect marriage proposal to the crazy bachelorette party to the most stylish honeymoon, Kandima Maldives always offers a brilliantly designed backdrop for a dream wedding time. Those who say “I do” on the (Desti)Nation will enjoy the tailor-made service of the professional wedding planners.

The bride and groom have various options for the wedding ceremony: floating above the turquoise sea or on the beach with their feet in the white sand. From “Only-Us-Two” on a small wooden island in the middle of the turquoise blue water, to a big party on your own private island with all-round service: everything that belongs to the wedding can be booked. The photo shoot as an eternal memory, the wedding cake according to your own ideas, the wedding breakfast the next morning…

No matter what details you want on this day: a Kandima wedding is always unique. When the bride and groom stand on the soft, coral-white sand, the water glistens in the background and they start their life together as Mr and Mrs, it is anything but ordinary.

If you still need support for your marriage proposal, you will also find professional support here. The resort is also happy to host bachelor parties, family celebrations on a large and small scale and professional meetings and events.

Adopt a coral

The sponsorship program, which is intended to counteract the death of coral reefs due to the warming of the oceans, was launched in 2017 and is led by marine biologist Lee Miles on site. Coral reefs, which are bleaching and dying due to rising ocean temperatures, can help protect the islands and their marine life from wave action and erosion of the shoreline when healthy. For the program, broken pieces of coral are collected from the sea and transplanted into artificial coral frames. The “healed” corals are transplanted back into the reef and attached with a handful of cement to a custom-made metal rack bearing the name of the respective sponsor.

The program is a fantastic way to help the reefs where there aren’t as many corals to be found. Those who take on a sponsorship can track the growth of the adopted coral frame online, as the marine biologist regularly sends pictures via email.

Hospital with decompression chamber

The in-house hospital with state-of-the-art medical technology such as ultrasound, X-ray machine and decompression chamber is available to guests around the clock. German family doctors, nurses, a dentist and a dive safety officer are always on site and stationed on the island.

The decompression chamber is the only facility of its kind in Dhaalu Atoll and all the other neighbouring atolls, and its function fills a gap in the Maldives’ offerings. The decompression chamber complements the fully equipped medical facility at the Kandimas’ resort.

Awards

Agoda – Gold Circle Award
Maldives Travel Awards 2019 – Leading Designer Resort
South Asian Travel Awards 2019 – Leading F&B Resort – Maldives
Luxury Lifestyle Magazine Readers’ Travel Awards 2019 – Runner-up : The Best Hotel In Asia category
2018 World Luxury Restaurant Awards – Smoked Restaurant – Indian Ocean Top Luxury Grill
2018 World Luxury Restaurant Awards – Smoked Restaurant – Indian Ocean Top Luxury Steakhouse
2018 World Luxury Restaurant Awards – Sea Dragon Restaurant – Indian Ocean Top Chinese Cuisine Restaurant
LUX Global Excellence Awards 2018 – Best Luxury Holiday Resort – Maldives
LUX Global Excellence Awards 2018 – LUX Customers Choice Award 2018 – Maldives
LUX Global Excellence Awards 2018 – Best Authentic Fine Dining Asian Restaurant 2018 – Sea Dragon Asian Restaurant
Maldives Travel Awards 2018 – Best Designer Resort
Maldives Travel Awards 2017 – Newcomer of the Year

Reservation information & hotel prices:

Kandima Maldives
Dhaalu Atoll
Republic of Maldives
Resort No.: +960 676 0077
WhatsApp/Viber: +960 796 7712
mykindofplace@kandima.com
https://kandima.com

Explore the Baltic Sea by boat

Germany

PatrickJullien

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2. August 2022

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Take the boat out into the big wide sea. The fresh air blows into your face, the song of the seagulls sounds and the sound of the waves surrounds you. Is there anything more beautiful? Simply drive to wherever you spontaneously feel like it, explore beautiful places and harbours, find fantastic beaches, enjoy picturesque bays and simply switch off. That sounds like a plan? Then be curious about what else the Baltic Sea has to offer!

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City trip along the Peene

Rent a boat or rent one (tip: rent a boat in the Baltic Sea) and you’re ready to go. This tour starts in the cute, small community of Neukalen. Here you will find quaint monuments, a great, small old town and restaurants that will spoil your palate. After this detour, you continue by boat to Verchen. The village, located at the northeast end of Lake Kummerow, is something very special, because the village impresses with its location and beautiful nature. A water hiking rest area and various beaches are just waiting to be found by you. By the way, in Verchen you will find the largest low moor landscape in the entire European region! The tour continues, you set off for Demmin.

Nature tourists in particular get their money’s worth here. In addition, the Hanseatic city of Demmin offers many venerable buildings, including the Marienhain, which was named after St. Mary’s Church. It stood there until 1630, when it was completely destroyed. Off to the boat and on to Jarmen. Here, too, you will find various water hiking rest areas that offer pure idyll. Great church buildings and an old well, integrated into a restaurant, are special sights. We continue on the Peene to Anklam. This is where the Peene ends. But before that, there is still a lot to see. In addition to beautiful windmills and time-honoured buildings, you can expect a wonderful park and cultural institutions. The best thing about this tour is that the whole open Baltic Sea is now in front of you.

Island hopping in the Baltic Sea

Usedom Baltic Sea — An absolute Baltic Sea highlight: Usedom, Image: travelpeter / shutterstock

In the German Baltic Sea alone, there are over 50 islands, but not all of them are inhabited. The largest and most inhabited of these islands are Rügen, Usedom, Fehmarn, Poel, Ummanz and Hiddensee. Each one has its own special charm. It is therefore definitely worthwhile to charter a boat and then go on a big tour.

Rebuke

On Rügen, the chalk cliffs are particularly admirable. The insanely imposing sea view at this point takes everyone’s breath away. You also have to see the Sellin pier, which offers a truly amazing panorama.

Usedom

Usedom offers white beaches and stunning sand sculptures. There are great lidos to be found there and on Usedom, family holidays are always a great idea. From the butterfly farm to the mini golf courses to ostrich farms, everything is possible here. Here you can experience the entire diversity of the Baltic Sea!

Fehmarn

Fehmarn is known, among other things, for the magnificent Fehmarnsund Bridge, which offers a brilliant sight, especially at sunrise and sunset. There is also something for rock music fans. The Jimi Hendrix memorial stone is placed here, commemorating the talented musician. Furthermore, the many mills and lighthouses here are always worth a visit.

Poel

Poel has various harbours on offer, which are particularly popular with water sports enthusiasts. Nature fans are also well catered for here, because the bird sanctuary island of Langendwerder is predestined to observe colourful and cheerful mudflats and water birds. With experienced guides, you can get all the information you need here.

Ummanz

Ummanz may be less well known, but it is no less beautiful. This small island represents the idyll in its purest form. Green, flat areas, farms, streams, rivers and home-style restaurants. The sight alone conveys such a calm and relaxed atmosphere that Ummanz should not be left out of an island hopping tour.

Hiddensee

Hiddensee is something for all those who love romantic nature. Untouched land meets sandbanks and cliffs. Here you can see sights that you don’t see often these days. A dreamlike natural paradise awaits you, where endangered animal species are protected by a national park. Hiddensee is an absolute must on your itinerary through the Baltic Sea!

If you decide to rent or borrow a boat, don’t save at the wrong end. It is better to rent it a little longer than too short. Not that you end up getting annoyed because you had to miss out on one of these beautiful destinations. It is definitely worthwhile to explore the Baltic Sea extensively and to give each anchor point enough time. Pack your partner, family or friends, rent a boat and go exploring! You can live on such an adventure for the rest of your life. Of course, a boat license is a prerequisite for such a longer trip. But even if you don’t have one yet, it’s definitely worth tackling. The Baltic Sea simply has too many beautiful spots on earth that need to be explored. So what are you waiting for?

Our tip: SamBoat

At SamBoat you can rent your suitable boat with just a few clicks. After you have found your suitable boat, make a non-binding booking request. If this has been accepted, you can pay for the boat directly online. The boat owner will also receive your payment directly. This allows you to concentrate fully on the boat handover on site. Make sure that the description given in the advertisement is correct.

Extraordinary accommodation options – Simply special

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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1. August 2022

0

Extraordinary accommodation options – Simply special

Ready for a holiday but not in the mood for an ordinary hotel? Fortunately, the world has more to offer. Whether tree house, yurt or circus wagon, there is a lot to discover. Here comes a portion of travel inspiration!

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Unique accommodations for unforgettable trips – more options than you think

A nice hotel is a fine thing. But who really remembers it afterwards? Especially if you travel more often, all hotel stays somehow merge with each other. A hotel is just a hotel: relatively interchangeable. Unusual accommodation options, on the other hand, remain in the memory for a long time. After all, you rarely sleep in a unique accommodation. This list shows what is possible worldwide:

Treehouse
Railway carriage
Houseboat
Igloo
Yurt
Lighthouse
Lock
Tiny House on Wheels
Teepee
Trullo (Italian Round House)
Wine cask
Windmill

So there are many options that are a great alternative to normal hotels or holiday apartments. In addition to the types of accommodation mentioned, there are of course many more. One thing they all have in common, however, is that they are definitely anything but normal and are definitely a special experience.

High in the treetops: Spend the night in treehouse hotels

Sleeping in the tree house is a unique experience. You are in the middle of nature, can experience the animal world from a completely different perspective and feel the wind in the treetops up close. Representatives of the most beautiful treehouse hotels can be found on practically every continent. If you prefer a cooler climate, you will find beautiful tree houses in the forests of Sweden. For friends of warm temperatures, there are tree houses in the South American rainforest or on the Southeast Asian island of Bali. And anyone who thinks that tree houses are spartan is mistaken. There are now really luxurious treehouse hotels and treehouse villas. In some cases, even entire complexes in which several tree houses are connected.

Like the nomads: sleeping in the yurt

Trullo House — Overnight stay in the trulli house, Image: Balate Dorin / shutterstock

Traditionally, the yurt is a round tent-like building used by the nomads in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia. It has enough space for the whole family, a fire pit or stove, and regular beds. In the meantime, there are yurts offered as accommodation worldwide. The unique accommodations are often located in national parks or in the middle of nature. For example, in the USA, New Zealand or Chilean Patagonia.

Not just for water lovers: holidays on a houseboat

Houseboats connect many with Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Of course, the canals of the popular capital or the Dutch canals can be explored with a houseboat . But a houseboat can also be a good alternative to a classic hotel if it is firmly anchored. Then, after an exciting day at the holiday destination, you can fall asleep in an unforgettable way with light rocking movements and the sounds of water. By the way, there are places to stay on a houseboat not only in the Netherlands.

Like the miller used to do: Spend the night in the mill

Mills are historical buildings that used to exist in practically every village. Grain, flaxseed or coffee were ground, but sawmills also existed in the past. In some places, the buildings have fallen into disrepair. In numerous places, the old watermills or windmills have fortunately been preserved, renovated and converted into overnight accommodation. There are numerous mills in Germany – from Schleswig-Holstein in northern Germany to Bavaria and from the Eifel to Upper Lusatia. They have often been restored by monument enthusiasts in such a way that they have retained their old charm and still offer overnight guests a lot of modern comfort.

Conclusion – Sometimes it can be something special

Fancy a unique accommodation? On die-besten-hotels.net there are extraordinary places to stay, whether near or far. Especially in Germany, the unusual accommodations are perfect for weekend and short trips to leave the stressful everyday life behind and recharge your batteries.

Ostend – enjoy, stroll and “sea”

Belgium

PatrickJullien

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30. July 2022

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The port city of Ostend is located in the province of West Flanders. Almost 72,000 inhabitants live here on the Belgian North Sea coast. Numerous historic buildings and museums worth seeing bear witness to its eventful history.

With a unique promenade and the nine-kilometre-long shore area, Ostend is considered the “queen of seaside resorts” in the neighbouring country.

In addition to its well-kept, wide beach, which invites you to a relaxing beach holiday, the charming city has a number of other worthwhile destinations in store for its guests.

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Sunbathing, walking or water sports: a beach pleasure for all tastes

The coast off Ostend offers a completely different atmosphere on several beach sections. From the lively, popular “Groot Strand” to the quieter areas near Mariakerke or Raversijde, everyone will find the right place. Young windsurfers and water sports enthusiasts like to populate the sports beach set up especially for them. It can be a little louder here. The fine sandy areas are well equipped and await those seeking relaxation, families with children or partygoers. They all benefit from comfortable facilities and the safety of the local lifeguard.

As a special feature on the Belgian North Sea coast, the 67-kilometre-long tram line “Kusttram” connects all towns from the French to the Dutch border. On board this longest intercity tram in the world, visitors to Ostend reach their desired destination in a relaxed manner.

Not just for rainy days: art, culture and architecture in Ostend

With the St. Peter and Paul Church, which can be seen from afar, the city has a neo-Gothic cathedral full of historical details that is well worth seeing. After an extensive renovation, it is definitely worth a visit.

In the vicinity of the church building there are other interesting buildings and facilities steeped in history. But there is also a lot to discover in Ostend for fans of modern architecture. The cultural centre “De Grote Post” with its monumental copper sculpture and impressive glass and ceramic reliefs found a home in the listed Old Post Office building.

For those interested in art, a visit to the well-known “Museum by the Sea” (Mu.ZEE) is a must. It houses the works of Belgian artists from the founding of the state in 1830 to the present day; including many by the local painters Ensor and Spilliaert. Mu.ZEE also organises regular special exhibitions.
In the immediate vicinity of the city is the remarkable open-air museum Atlantikwall. Rebuilt bunkers, cannons and elaborate dioramas bring the events of the world wars to life in an impressive way.

The “Fort Napoleon” is also worth a detour. The mighty complex was intended to serve the troops of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte as a wall against an English invasion. In the First and Second World Wars, the German occupiers then used it. Today, as a modern museum, it brings the conflicts of this time closer to its young and old visitors.

Anything but boring – Ostend with children and cones

Ostend Beach, Image: Oliverouge 3 / shutterstock

After days of sun, sand and sea, even the youngest tourists need a change. The kids can live out their urge to move in the “Hangtime” leisure facility. Numerous trampolines on 1,000 square metres and a ball pit for the little ones make possible hours of bad weather fly by. This also applies to the interesting theme park “Explorado”. In the project of the first Belgian astronaut Dirk Frimout, adults and inquisitive children alike rediscover the four elements of earth, water, fire and air in a fascinating way.

Families in particular like to visit the two lovingly preserved ships “Mercator”, a former sailing training ship, and “Amandine”, an old fishing cutter.
During the summer months, numerous events for young and old attract visitors to the city on the North Sea coast. At the “Theater am Meer”, an annual ten-day event, there are top-class performances by various artists to see. The Sand Sculpture Festival captivates thousands with its magical but ephemeral works.

Ostend, the Belgian “Queen of Sea Resorts” inspires its guests with the unique flair that only places by the sea radiate. The mixture of lively, modern city and maritime atmosphere not only conveys a relaxed mood to holiday guests. In addition to the sandy beach, which is up to 80 metres wide, and the long promenade, many cosy street cafés entice you to enjoy a relaxed aperitif.

In the parks such as Leopoldspark or the famous Japanese Garden, you can take long walks. The casino in the Kursaal, which is well worth seeing, provides some thrills for “risk-taking” travelers and the locals. Around the clock they can try their luck at roulette, blackjack and poker.
A successful holiday by the sea definitely includes extensive enjoyment. In countless restaurants, from the highly praised star restaurant to the typical snack bar, the Ostend residents themselves and their guests feast to their heart’s content. Especially along the promenade, the freshly caught fish is always very popular. It is served with the supposedly best fries in the world, which the inhabitants of the region like to emphasize with a wink.

Whether families with children, couples seeking peace and quiet, partygoers or ambitious water sports enthusiasts – everyone will find the ideal holiday pleasure in the city on the North Sea coast. The sea view and the fresh breeze of sea air are always included.

The most beautiful sights in Ostend

Tramhuisje

The historic tram station, which was built in 1903, is one of the landmarks of the spa town.
The listed building is the only surviving stop of the coastal tram, which still regularly stops there.

Lange Nelle

The Lange Nelle is popularly known as the 65-metre-high lighthouse in Ostend. It is one of the four lighthouses still in operation and has reliably guided seafarers on the high seas since 1949. The tower is not open to the public, but it is an interesting sight on a leisurely bike ride.

St. Peter’s Cathedral

St. Peter and Paul Church in Ostend — St. Peter and Paul Church, Image: Jean-Marc Pierard

The Church of St. Peter and Paul (Sint-Petrus-en-Pauluskerk) is the main church of the resort.
The building, which was built in 1899 under King Leopold II, is 72 metres tall at its highest point. The Roman Catholic church in neo-Gothic style was built on the ashes of a previous church. In 2004, Manufactur d’Orgues Thomas von Francorchamps built the Thomas organ, which has been part of the church ever since.

Anno 1465 Museum

The medieval fishing village of Walraversijde is one of the most important archaeological sites in the area. The village is being reconstructed and includes three fishermen’s houses as well as a bakery and smokehouse. In the museum, all finds and information about life in 1465 are conveyed. Tickets can be ordered online, but dogs are not allowed.

Fort Napoleon

The imposing Fort Napoleon was originally a military fortress. It was built in 1811 under Emperor Napoléon Bonaparte and was intended to serve as a base. During the two world wars, it was used by German occupying troops. After 5 years of restoration in 1995, Fort Napoleon was opened in 2000 as a museum with indoor and outdoor gastronomy for the general public.

Leisure activities for the whole family

Munical Swimming Pool

The municipal swimming pool was built in the mid-70s. It also has an outdoor area, a paddling pool for toddlers and an area for older children with two water slides. Adults can relax in the hot tub, Turkish bath and solarium. Sauna access is also popular, but it is not included in the entrance fee of about 3 euros. A café provides culinary catering during your stay.

Puzzle Escape Room

Exciting for the whole family – Escape Rooms are a popular leisure activity for tricksters and hobby detectives. The goal is to free yourself from a room full of mysterious puzzles. Each Escape Room is individually decorated and has its own mysterious story. Time is limited and only those who crack the code solve the puzzle and make it to the next room. The ultimate challenge for bright minds.

Billekarre – Go Kart

At four locations in Ostend there is the possibility to rent the rustic pedal mobiles. Whether alone, four or even six. The go-karts are available in different versions and are a welcome change from the usual bike tours. You can rent the vehicles by the hour or all day and explore the surroundings from a different angle.

Hangtime

The indoor playground is more like a play park. In addition to the 1000 square meters of trampolines, there are foampits, basketball hoops, dodgeball, fly yoga and for the very little ones an extensive play zone that invites you to discover. Hangtime also has a restaurant and a café lounge where you can relax with a drink and a piece of cake after all the action.

Short trip to Bruges

Bruges-Belgium — Beautiful Bruges, Image: TTstudio/shutterstock

Bruges is a small, romantic town near Ostend and is ideal as a destination for excursions.
Impressive architecture, small bridges, lovingly furnished shops and small cafés – Bruges exudes a charm of its own that will wrap you around your finger.
Sights such as the Rozenhoedkaai, the Bonifazius Bridge and the 83-metre-high Belfry, which are the perfect postcard motif, are just too kitschy and beautiful. The 13th-century windmills on the outskirts of the village are also worth a visit. Both mills are still grinding grain and can be visited.

Ostend is just as suitable for a cultural trip as it is for a family holiday, the varied surroundings and the interplay of activity and relaxation ensures a successful holiday in Belgium that will remain unforgettable.

Timmendorfer Strand – holiday relaxation at the German Baltic Sea resort

Germany

PatrickJullien

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29. July 2022

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Timmendorfer Strand – holiday relaxation at the German Baltic Sea resort

Few places on the Baltic Sea attract as many travellers every year as Timmendorfer Strand. Not far from Lübeck and within easy reach of recreational destinations such as Hamburg, Kiel or Fehmarn, lies the fascinating Baltic Sea resort, which in good weather stands for holiday relaxation close to the sea. The history of the village dates back to the Middle Ages, and today it attracts tourist attention with its beach, piers and family excursion highlights such as SEA LIFE Timmendorfer Strand. So it is not surprising that the village of Timmendorfer Strand is now one of the best places to experience the Baltic Sea coast.

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Holiday highlight – The coastal panorama at Timmendorfer Strand

The real highlight of the seaside resort stretches over about seven kilometres: the beach. It is not without reason that a six-digit number of holidaymakers are drawn to Timmendorfer Strand every year. Relaxation in the typical beach chairs on the fine sandy coastal strip of the seaside resort is popular. Especially in the warm months, the region becomes a lively holiday destination in its beach area. If you’re not on the beach, you can stroll along the waterfront promenades or stop off at one of the cafés, restaurants and bars along the shore. The beach panorama is also impressive with its striking piers. The Seeschlösschen Bridge, which in its modern form protrudes 150 meters into the Baltic Sea , stands out in particular.

But the heart of Timmendorfer Strand does not only consist of the beach and promenade. In the middle of the village is the New Spa Park, which offers a pleasant contrast to beach life in the sunny months due to its lush green. The Trinkkurhalle within the park is now a popular venue for events and events. Timmendorfer Strand is also still home to the Old Spa Park, built in the 1930s, which is a little quieter with its historic face. The mix of beach, parks and sights makes the Baltic Sea resort of Timmendorfer Strand a serious option for a multifaceted Baltic Sea holiday.

Niendorf – Relaxation at the beach and pier

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, you can visit the Niendorf district to the east. The tranquil town has a prominent harbour that is intended for yachts and fishing boats. If you are interested in regional fishing, you can also discover the Niendorf fish market here, not far from which small restaurants and cafés are waiting for a stop. Despite the rather quieter village, Niendorf is a popular centre for events and events. Harbour festivals take place here, as well as the jazz festival JazzBaltica, which is now celebrated annually in the spa gardens of Timmendorfer Strand. Niendorf also has a section of beach, but it is a little less busy and fine-grained, like the popular sandy beach in Timmendorfer Strand. For this purpose, Niendorf has the Niendorf Bird Park, which currently offers a home to about 1,000 birds, some of them exotic species.

Local recreation destinations – Sea Life, Hemmelsdorfer See and co.

For holidaying families, the Sea Life on Timmendorfer Strand is particularly interesting. Since 1996, the large aquarium has been on display in the coastal region of the village. The aquarium takes up a lot of space: On an area of about 1,500 square meters, a wide variety of themed aquariums can be discovered – from rainforest habitats to Europe’s coastal worlds to a tropical underwater tunnel. Sea Life provides another facet in the interesting excursion program around Timmendorfer Strand. The same applies to the natural Hemmelsdorfer See, which unfolds directly south of Timmendorfer Strand and Niendorf. The lake is a popular local recreation area in Schleswig-Holstein and has existed since the last ice age. There is a prominent observation tower here, and ice sailing is particularly popular when the season is right.

Lübeck, Hansa Park, Bad Segeberg – Popular excursions in the region

The Holsten Gate in Lübeck, Image: foto-select / shutterstock

However, those who choose their tourist accommodation in Timmendorfer Strand also benefit from a convenient location not far from the holiday highlights of Schleswig-Holstein. It is about 20 kilometres to Lübeck. The old town of Lübeck is not on the UNESCO World Heritage List for nothing. If you stay at Timmendorfer Strand, you should not miss local sights such as the Holsten Gate, St. Mary’s Church, St. Peter’s Church or Travemünde with its lighthouse and beach promenade. The popular Hansa Park is also nearby, which can be reached in 15 kilometres.

In an average year, millions of visitors are drawn to the park, which stands for varied entertainment with its attractions – from roller coasters to water rides. The excursion programme from Timmendorfer Strand is rounded off by popular day trips such as Bad Segeberg with its Karl May Festival on the Kalkberg, the port city of Kiel, the world metropolis of Hamburg and the holiday island of Fehmarn. One thing is clear: The popularity of Timmendorfer Strand is not only fed by the scenic beach location and the beautiful coastal region, but also by the optimal location not far from some of the absolute highlights on the Baltic Sea coast of Schleswig-Holstein

Discover Miami

PatrickJullien

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28. July 2022

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Located on the east coast of sunny Florida, which is considered one of the most popular US states for tourists, is the dream destination of Miami. When you think of the metropolis, the first thing that probably comes to mind is Ocean Drive, known from numerous Hollywood films, with its pastel-colored houses, where the city’s rich and beautiful regularly stroll. But the city is full of opportunities that usually remain hidden at first glance: In addition to beautiful sandy beaches, Miami has palm-lined piers, trendy neighborhoods with hip art scenes, living and dining culture shaped by international influences and, with the Art Deco Quarter, even one of the best-preserved area monuments in the USA.

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Miami Beach

Downtown Miami, Image: pisaphotography / shutterstock

While the city of Miami is made up of numerous districts such as Little Havana, Little Haiti, Midtown and Downtown, one district in particular is known to tourists: Miami Beach. Located on an island in front of the city proper, Miami Beach is only connected to the other districts by four bridges. With its numerous sights and long sandy beach, Miami Beach is considered the most visited district of the metropolis, which captures the relaxed and at the same time luxurious lifestyle of the city.

Hours of sunshine on Miami’s most beautiful beaches

The city’s long and wide sandy beaches are an absolute highlight, not only for sun worshippers. Under the motto ‘see and be seen’, tourists, celebrities and onlookers cavort on the popular South Beach between the colourful huts of the lifeguards, who do not want to miss the hustle and bustle of the popular tourist region. If you want to sunbathe a little more relaxed, North Beach is less touristy and offers hip and alternative restaurants, boutiques and cafés. The piers along the beach are also recommended for long walks and sports activities to watch the sunset on the sea.

Stroll along Ocean Drive

Ocean Drive Miami — The Ocean Drive, Image: marchello74 / shutterstock

The most popular and hippest promenade in Florida is Ocean Drive, which is known as the filming location of numerous Hollywood flicks. Although the promenade is considered extremely lively and touristy, it is a hotspot of the city that should be experienced. In front of the chic Art Deco-style bars and restaurants, there are numerous American classic cars that evoke nostalgia and at the same time underline the luxurious lifestyle of the district. With a bit of luck, you can even catch a glimpse of celebrities while strolling along Ocean Drive, and it’s not for nothing that the area around Ocean Drive and South Beach is considered the most decadent region of the city. For even more nostalgic moments with a real Old Hollywood feeling, take out one of the charming classic cars, which can be rented for a ride on Ocean Drive for a fee.

Local history and architectural highlights in the Art Deco District

In the center of South Beach, there are more than 900 historic buildings in the Art Deco style on an area of over two square meters, which stand out in the otherwise very modern cityscape with their house fronts in delicate pastel shades, the round shapes typical of the era and eye-catching neon signs. The neighborhood is easy to explore on your own, and the Miami Design Preservation League’s informative Visitor Center provides more information and impressions if needed.

Modern art in the open air in the Wynwood Arts District

The artistic heart of the metropolis is the Wynwood Arts District with its famous Wynwood Walls, which serve as a canvas for sophisticated graffiti artworks. Artists from all over the world present their works of art in the park in the open air, which changes the effect of the works of art depending on the atmosphere, making the district an interesting destination again and again. In the neighborhood, there are hip eateries and alternative boutiques to discover, making Wynwood all-round attractive to visitors.

Downtown Miami

In Downtown Miami, the numerous skyscrapers of the financial district rise up, which can be discovered in the nighttime skyline. The harbour in particular is a popular place to eat, dance and celebrate. The Adrienne Arsht Centers for the Performing Arts regularly hosts concerts by well-known artists as well as newcomers. With its numerous shops and restaurants, the Bayside Marketplace is also considered a highlight of Downtown, which looks like a huge open-air shopping mall. With a bit of luck, strolling around the crescent-shaped bay, where the shopping highlight is located, will be accompanied by atmospheric live music.

Little Havana – Pure joie de vivre

Miami South Beach — South Beach, Image: Richard Cavalleri / shutterstock

Lively, creative and full of joie de vivre – this is how the small district around Calle Ocho, Little Havana’s wide main street, can be described. Resounding music paves the way through the streets, which are lined with a colorful jumble of numerous cafes, restaurants, bars and small cigar stands. Due to the influences of Cuban cuisine, Little Havana is considered a culinary highlight that can best be explored on a culinary tour of Miami.

Day trip to Santorini

Carolin Prall

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28. July 2022

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Of course, Santorini offers enough sights to spend a whole week on the beautiful island of the Cyclades in the Mediterranean. Nevertheless, the location and size of the destination offers the perfect conditions for a day trip from the largest and most popular island in Greece: Crete

Perfect combination of two Greek islands

Take advantage of the island hopping opportunity and get to know two Greek islands, which are nevertheless very different, in one holiday. This way you get the most out of your annual holiday and collect many different unforgettable impressions.

For a successful day trip to Santorini , the alarm clock should be set for 6 a.m., because getting up early is a prerequisite for this. From the port of the capital Heraklion , you can use comfortable car ferries from several providers. The crossing to Thira takes 1:45 – 2:15 hours each way, depending on the ferry company. You can buy the tickets in advance online or directly at the port. However, plan enough time for this and find out about the departure times in advance to make the most of the day.

Once you arrive in Santorini, you will have enough time to marvel at the two most famous and worth seeing places on the island: Thira and Oia

To save time, consider using a taxi to combine the two places. Of course, it is also possible to drive your own car if you have decided to use the ferry crossing with your vehicle.

Santorini is of volcanic origin. Since the island is very high, you can still see the original volcanic crater from almost all known places. Powerful eruptions created a “caldera”, part of which sank into the sea. The fact that the island was actually round one day and not crescent-shaped as it is today can be guessed particularly well from the beautiful view from the city of Oia to the “caldera”.

Thira, Santorini — The capital Thira, Image: Mistervlad / shutterstock

Although Santorini is not the typical destination for beach vacationers, the island still has some nice bathing opportunities to offer. Especially in the southeast of the island, you can discover picturesque beaches of dark sand. Small restaurants and cafes are of course also available to round off a trip to the beach. However, if you’re only spending one day on the multifaceted island, you might want to save your beach stay for Crete. Here you will find very beautiful long sandy beaches, some with small pebbles, especially in the north of the island (e.g. in the regions of Anissaras, Malia or Georgioupolis) or in the west (e.g. Elafonisi).

The capital Thira is not considered one of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece for nothing. The absolutely breathtaking view of the dark blue sea, in contrast with the mostly cloudless light blue sky and the white houses on the rocky hillside, is incomparable and a postcard motif that you can find all over the world. The cave-like white houses with blue windows and doors on black volcanic soil offer a unique architecture. A leisurely stroll through the small streets and a coffee in one of the many small eateries overlooking the sea is a must during a stay in the capital. Of course, there are also many nice shops to stroll through, but the prices are unfortunately generally very high on the island.

Greece, Santorini — The famous white houses with blue roofs in Santorini, Image: Anastasios71/shutterstock

A little tip: When planning, try to pay attention to the arrival times of large cruise ships such as AIDA, TUI Cruises, MSC or even American shipping companies. This way you avoid overcrowded alleys and definitely save a euro or two, because many restaurants raise prices as soon as a large cruise ship docks. In general, the further away you are from the city centre, the cheaper the prices. It is also worth taking a short walk towards the city limits, because you will find many hidden small apartment buildings with abandoned terraces and balconies with breathtaking views without other tourists.

But the ancient city of Alt-Thera or the artists’ village of Oia are also in no way inferior to the capital as their “little sister”. The view is at least as beautiful as in Thira. The village is considered a little less crowded and is much smaller. It is quieter and more idyllic. Many visitors come to Oia mainly for the sunset, which is said to be the most beautiful to see here. Take a close look during a walk through the village, because you will always catch glimpses of dreamlike infinity pools in exclusive locations from various boutique hotels. In combination with the typical windmills of the island, which are located in the middle of the village, the result is an indescribable picture that you will never forget. Santorini is guaranteed to captivate you!

Tips for a legendary casino tour of Switzerland

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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28. July 2022

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Tips for a legendary casino tour of Switzerland

First and foremost, Switzerland is known for its breathtaking landscape, a unique mountain backdrop, the finest chocolate and famous cheese specialties. If you choose this country as a holiday destination, you are probably an enthusiastic outdoor fan and are either looking for hiking routes or opportunities to do winter sports there extensively. But the small state with its 26 cantons has so much more to offer.

There are great cities with a rich cultural offer and countless shopping options. The nightlife in the main centres of Zurich, Basel and Bern is also impressive. What many visitors may not necessarily be aware of, however, is that Switzerland also has a whole range of renowned casinos that have a high entertainment factor and are making a name for themselves far beyond the country’s borders.

Of course, enthusiastic gamblers can also enjoy their gaming pleasure in the comfort of an online casino Switzerland . The ambience of a sophisticated casino is of course also something special. If you would like to experience this for yourself, you will be warmly welcomed in the casinos of Switzerland and perhaps even encouraged to take a complete casino tour after the first few visits.

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How gambling is regulated in Switzerland

You may not suspect it, but compared to its neighboring countries, the density of casinos in Switzerland is actually very high. There are a total of 21 casinos, which are mainly located in the larger cities as well as the tourist magnets such as Davos or St. Moritz. In order to be able to officially offer gambling, a licence is required. Depending on the financial turnover and the size of the casino, a distinction is made between an A and a B licence.

The SFGB is responsible for awarding them. Behind this is the Federal Casino Commission, which also takes over the control of business activities and ensures compliance with the protection of minors and players.

In addition, it continues to have the important task of regulating the taxation of gambling revenues. And they are indeed not without their merits in Switzerland – between 40 and 80 percent are due on the gross gaming revenue generated by each casino, depending on the specific concession. Thus, the state earns well here and the flourishing business in turn benefits the municipalities as well as the common good.

Due to increasing digitalization, a strong market for gambling on the Internet has also developed in recent years. More and more online casinos have sprung up like mushrooms to offer their digital slot and card games to a broad target group.

Of course, this development was also noticeable in Switzerland. The oversupply quickly became opaque and of course offered a suitable breeding ground for all those companies that wanted to take money out of the players’ pockets with unfair methods. Of course, it is unthinkable to regulate, let alone monitor, this globally active industry.

However, due to the circumstances, a legal solution had to be found for online casinos in order to at least determine the handling for Swiss citizens. Finally, consumer protection should also be guaranteed in this area and a certain positive influence should be exerted on what is happening.

After a referendum in 2018 , the current regulations came into force at the beginning of 2019 and will continue until 2024. It stipulates that online casinos may not be run by private providers, but must be affiliated with one of the licensed casinos. An extension of the licence issued by the Federal Council applies to this purpose. To date, a total of 11 land-based casinos make use of this regulation and operate their own online casinos very successfully. In this way, they are opening up an additional player base that is less interested in experiencing evening entertainment in elegant casinos, but clearly focuses on fast gambling.

The law goes hand in hand with the fact that foreign providers are not allowed to operate in Switzerland. They are blacklisted and are automatically blocked by browsers to make access as difficult as possible.

Thrills of visiting casinos across the country

Getting to know several Swiss casinos at the same time is very easy to do if you are traveling across the country, because the locations are evenly distributed across Switzerland and are well connected to the transport networks. They are located in Bad Ragaz, Baden, Basel, Bern, Crans Montana, Courrendlin, Davos, Fribourg, Granges-Paccot, Interlaken, Locarno, Lugano, Lucerne, Mendrisio, Meyrin, Montreux, Pfäffikon, Schaffhausen, St. Moritz, St. Gallen and Zurich.

Exciting fun and all-round successful evening entertainment are guaranteed in all these locations. After all, they all come up with a very extensive variety of games and offer a whole range of slot machines in addition to classic table games. There is also a Swiss jackpot to crack, which, by the way, is the largest in Europe, the winnings of which do not have to be taxed.

However, gambling itself is not the only reason to spend an evening in one of the 21 houses mentioned. Rather, guests can expect a complete package of gastronomic offerings and the typical ambience of a traditional casino. Some casinos also offer a varied evening programme, which includes, for example, a lively bar, live music or special events.

The Grand Casino Baden as a special recommendation

Grand Casino in Baden, Image: Oscity / shutterstock

As much entertainment as is certainly offered at all locations, one casino in particular stands out that should definitely not be missed – the Grand Casino in the charming spa town of Baden near Zurich. Although the rooms are elegantly furnished, there is still no strict dress code.

Rather, the house attaches great importance to putting the feel-good factor of its guests in the foreground and to creating a relaxed atmosphere. At about 20 gaming tables, you can bet to your heart’s content – regardless of whether your player’s heart beats more for blackjack, poker or roulette. And fans of heavy slot machines will also get their money’s worth, after all, there are over 200 machines

However, the Grand Casino Baden is widely known for its extraordinary culinary offerings. Among other things, the complex includes its own fish restaurant and the much-visited cocktail bar forms the centrepiece. A great outdoor area is also available to get some fresh air after hours of exciting game rounds.

If you are looking for more nightlife or want to dance until the morning hours, you can simply use the two adjoining nightclubs. If you take part in a Newcomers Night, there is a guided tour including a welcome drink for free.

St. Vincent – a Caribbean holiday paradise

Caribbean

PatrickJullien

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27. July 2022

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St. Vincent – a Caribbean holiday paradise

A popular destination for cruises through the Caribbean, and yet a little off the beaten track – the island of St. Vincent, main island of the island kingdom of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, attracts with its contrast of idyllic beaches and deserted bays as well as wild jungle, mountainous wilderness and volcanic landscapes. St. Vincent, with its capital Kingstown, an area of 346 square kilometers and about 25,000 inhabitants, is part of the Commonwealth of Nations and its name dates back to 1498, when Christopher Columbus landed there on St. Vincent’s Day. The breathtaking Caribbean landscape attracts not only vacationers and nature lovers, but also film crews, so that several places on the island became the backdrop of the famous “Pirates of the Caribbean” films.

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St. Vincent – a natural paradise

The colourful flora and fauna of the island, the tropical forests and flower fields, deserted reefs, rocks and lagoons and the still active 1,234-metre-high volcano La Soufrière in the north make the lush green volcanic island with its steep mountains alternating with deep valleys a natural paradise par excellence. While rugged cliffs and rocky beaches adorn the east coast, black and gold sand sand meander along the west coast.

The temperature is around 30°C throughout the year (with minimum temperatures between 22 and 25°C), and the trade winds make the island slightly cooler than the rest of the Caribbean islands. The rainy season lasts from June to September, with around 23 rainy days in July and sometimes even hurricanes. The high season for travel to St. Vincent is between December and April, with high temperatures and sunshine, although downpours are always to be expected when touring inland and up the volcano. However, the months of May, June and November offer almost as warm and sunny weather with often lower prices. Between July and October, there are hardly any tourists on the island, as the humidity, the amount of rainfall and also the risk of hurricanes are higher. Saint Vincent is assigned to the Lesser Antilles .

St. Vincent – a paradise for water sports enthusiasts

The Caribbean Sea around St. Vincent is enthusiastically used by water sports enthusiasts for swimming, diving, snorkeling, sailing and deep-sea fishing. There are 35 designated diving areas around the island and it is not for nothing that St. Vincent is often called the “Critter Capital of the Carribean”: the breathtaking flora and fauna of the underwater world with coral reefs, mussels and shellfish, anemones, frog fish, seahorses and much more make boredom while diving almost impossible. And if this should arise, two ships have been grounded especially for divers, so that beginners can practice wreck diving. The Bat Cave in Buccament Bay offers a special attraction: here you can observe bats in their natural environment during professionally guided dives into bat caves.

City stroll through the capital Kingstown

Kingstown, St. Vincent — On the road in Kingstown, Image: Chris Allan / shutterstock

Another nice thing to do in St. Vincent is a stroll through the lively harbor and over the cobblestones of the capital Kingstown. It is most beautiful here when no large cruise ship has docked at the harbor and the streets are emptier. The market town of Kingstown is home to numerous shops and markets where you can buy a wide variety of spices and fruits. A walk through the fish market, the market building and the bustling Long Lane Upper is undoubtedly worthwhile, as well as passing historic buildings such as Court House and St. Mary’s Cathedral. The bay at the foot of the 736-metre-high St. Andrew and the adjacent Dorsetshire Hill is also worth seeing, and from Fort Charlotte, the island’s women’s prison located on a 180-metre-high mountainside, you have a beautiful view of Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadian Islands.

The jewels of St. Vincent’s west coast

Nature lovers in particular will get their money’s worth on St. Vincent. On the west coast you will find the oldest botanical garden on the American continent, which was created in 1765 and is home to the rare and endangered national parrot, the royal amazon, in addition to extraordinary tropical plants. In addition, in the Layou Petroglyph Park you can marvel at rock carvings of the Caribbean Indians with unknown significance to this day and refresh yourself in a natural pool. The Vermont Nature Trail, a three-kilometer trail through the rainforest that crosses bridges and past viewpoints, will captivate hikers and birdwatchers alike.

Wallilabou Bay, St Vincent — Wallilabou Bay, Image: chromoprisme / shutterstock

Another “must-see” is Wallilabou Bay, a bay that was used as a filming location for the film “Pirates of the Caribbean” and where many of the original film sets can still be seen. Further north, Dark View Falls and Trinity Falls, located in the rainforest, offer a pleasant refreshment. In the far north of St. Vincent, you reach the Soufrière Mountains, a mountain range that rises up to 4048 meters, where the La Soufrière Volcano Trail, a hiking trail around and into the crater of the volcano, can be found. Finally, along the west coast there are some picturesque fishing villages with delightful, colorful houses and black sand beaches.

Worth seeing on the east coast of St. Vincent

There is also a lot to see on the east coast, starting in the fertile Marriaqua Valley with the Montreal Gardens, an anthurium farm located on the Teviot River. Here you can find all kinds of tropical plants, bananas, nutmegs, cocoa, breadfruits and coconuts are grown and numerous streams and rivers meander into the rocky Yambou gorge. Another attraction is the Black Point Tunnel, which was built in 1815 by English colonialists with the help of slave labor, was used to transport sugar cane and became another filming location for the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films. Finally, you can’t miss Owia Salt Pond: a beautiful seawater swimming pool near the village of Owia, surrounded by volcanic rock formations. Owia itself and nearby Fancy are two small towns in the north of the island that are worth seeing, which date back to Indian foundations.

Voyages of discovery into the Grenadian island kingdom

Even though the island itself already has a lot of excursion destinations and activities in store, it is a good idea to explore other islands of the Grenadines during a holiday in St. Vincent. The island of Bequia, for example, which can be reached by ferry within about an hour, attracts with its relaxed flair, the open islanders in the Caribbean harbour village of Port Elizabeth, the snow-white sandy beach Princess Margaret Beach and the beautiful views from Rainbow Castle or the district of Friendship. Canouan Island, which can be reached by plane, is also worth a day trip, especially if you want to admire the views of the Caribbean Sea, the pristine beaches and the paradisiacal bays overgrown with palm trees on a private island tour.

Grenadines – Leeward Islands

PatrickJullien

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27. July 2022

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Dreamy sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and picturesque landscapes like in paradise – the Grenadines in the Caribbean are an unforgettable destination for young and old. The cross-border island chain lies between the Caribbean Sea in the west and the Atlantic Ocean in the east. In the north, it is bordered by the island of St. Vincent , which is crossed by an impressive chain of volcanoes. The mountainous regions, on the other hand, are overgrown with dense rainforest, so that passionate hikers will get their money’s worth here.

The Grenadines are also called “the Leeward Islands”, derived from the wind direction of the northeast trade winds, which provide a humid, tropical climate in the area all year round.

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Temperatures in the Grenadines

The island state is located at the 13th parallel north latitude. Tropical rainforest temperatures prevail everywhere in the area. According to this, the islands promise wonderfully warm temperatures all year round. But especially the months of January to May are very popular with travelers, as this is the dry season in the Grenadines. From June to October, the amount of precipitation then rises sharply.

The lowest temperature is around 27°C degrees in January and February. The highest temperature is in August and September with 29°C degrees. Then there will be up to eleven hours of sunshine a day.

The water temperature fluctuates between 25°C and 28°C degrees all year round, guaranteeing ideal bathing fun.

The inhabited islands

The Caribbean island territory, which belongs to the Lesser Antilles , consists of a total of 32 islands, which are bordered west of Barbados and south of St. Lucia . Some of the larger islands are inhabited, while others live solely on nature. About 17,000 inhabitants live along the entire island chain.

Among the most famous inhabited islands are Bequia, Canouan, Mayreau, Mustique, Petit St. Vincent and many others.

Bequia

With its 18 square kilometers, Bequia is the largest island in the Grenadines and one of the most visited destinations in the Caribbean archipelago. Why? In addition to a species-rich, impressive underwater world and fabulous beach sections that look like powdered sugar, the island also has a large natural harbour in the main town of Port Elizabeth, which is a popular landing place for larger yachts and sailing ships. Port Elizabeth is the center of the entire island from a tourist point of view. An interesting and important attraction, which also vividly presents the history of Caribbean whaling, is the “Whaling and Sailing Museum”.

If you like a beach holiday, you should not leave out the most beautiful beaches on Bequia: The beaches “Friendship Bay”, “Princess Margaret Beach” and “Lower Bay” are all lined with palm trees and offer the ideal place to relax and swim. The fine sand resembles powdered sugar and promises unforgettable holiday memories.

Mayreau

The smallest inhabited island in the Grenadines is Mayreau, with about 300 inhabitants. There is only one street on the island and the only village that has a few bars and bars has had electric light since 2003. Salt Whistle Bay in the northwest is a nice anchorage for yachts.

Mustique

About 14 kilometers southeast of Bequia is the island of Mustique, which is privately owned by the “Mustique Company” and promises its visitors nothing less than 5* star holidays. First-class villas on the beach or high up on the tops of the hills offer luxurious ambience. On the island there is everything your heart desires: gigantic golf and tennis courts, breathtaking pool facilities, wellness programs and “barbecue under the stars”. With modern golf carts, the island can be explored in more detail. Particularly well-known: “Basil’s Bar“, which is located directly on the beach and is one of the top ten best bars in the world.

The uninhabited islands

The Grenadines include a large number of small, uninhabited islands: Baliceaux, Isle à Quatre, Petite Mustique, Petite Nevis, Pigeon Island and many more. All these Caribbean islands promise a picturesque backdrop and plenty of wild and beautiful nature. Particularly curious water sports enthusiasts are attracted to the uninhabited islands, as this is a popular sailing area and the ideal spot for diving. In addition to impressive coral reefs, there is another highlight for enthusiastic divers to discover: Two ships have been grounded here, where beginners and professionals can practice wreck diving.

Tobago Cays

The five uninhabited islands of the Tobago Cays also magically attract holidaymakers: The small islands are located a good two kilometres east of Mayreau and are a true paradise for nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, sailors and sun worshippers. The best way for travelers to visit the islands is with an organized day boat trip. If you are privately on the water with a sailboat or yacht, you can moor at one of the prescribed anchorages. However, there are fees here, which the marine park supervisors collect on site.

Dreamlike bays and equally fascinating snorkeling and diving spots guarantee an unforgettable day trip on the Tobago Cays. The coral reef “Horse Shoe Reef” in the north convinces with its beautiful Caribbean underwater world and is a popular diving spot, especially for beginners. A little further east is the Sail Rock dive site, which is a popular destination for experienced underwater sports enthusiasts. A colourful variety of different fish and impressive green sea turtles are waiting to be observed more closely. If you’re lucky, you can even see nurse sharks and spotted eagle rays making their rounds through the shallow water. The clear, turquoise water guarantees perfect visibility! In addition, the Tobago Cays were the setting for the famous blockbuster “Pirates of the Caribbean”.