Thursday, April 28, 2011

West India Tours: Unleashing Historic Splendor and Geographic Treasures


West India tours are one to unleash historic splendor of legendary Shivaji’s Maharashtra and to splurge in the geographic treasures of beachside beauty of Goa and many other states and cities edged on the west coast of India. A multi-cultural concoction welcomes you at these cities whose culture and cuisine will further impress and inspire you. On tours to West India the cities one must visit are Goa and Mumbai. For these help a traveler understand the culture of the entire region, to enjoy its culinary fiestas, gives opportunity to be a part of the region’s fabulous festivities, enjoy their colorful religious customs and to indulge in their mindless fun and frolic activities.

On these West India tour packages Goan charm will sweep you off your feet while, traffic-clogged Mumbai will give you respite at its cool and tipsy nightclubs and lounges. Enjoy sounds, smells and sights of historic edifices, sprawling malls and fashion streets of Mumbai and admire in Goan camaraderie and Portuguese churches; read further for more details about these sights:

Goan Gaiety:‘Ibiza of East’ Goa by all means is the ultimate party town. Its beach side parties, colonial age churches, dazzling carnivals, sumptuous cuisines and cocktails and bonhomie in its people’s nature are all qualities that draws hundreds of party fanatics to its shores. Its innate character of a jovial town is most attractive feature and is only made more lovable by the beauty of its sun-kissed and palm fringed beaches; surrounding emerald hues further elevate the effect of the most romantic settings at Goa. Nowhere else in India will you find the soothing serenity of its beaches and chilled-out languidness of its afternoon siesta.


Chilies, Cinema & Clubs at Mumbai: Another must visit destination on all West India tours Mumbai attracts movie buffs, creative people, industrialists and professionals with intense magnetism. This town by the ocean is renowned for its spicy Chat (a kind of snack), its crowded streets, sprawling big malls at every road corner and most happening clubs. The city of Hindi Film Industry, Mumbai is indeed the Dream City for thousands of youngsters who aim to make it big on the Big Screen and its historic heritage is well-preserved in its fascinating lanes. It is the industrial center of the country with stock exchange and various big multinational companies, its markets selling off latest trends and in its darker corners it has Dharavi, the biggest slum of Asia. Mumbai indeed possesses an assortment of paradoxes. It is these very confusing, loud, vivacious, colorful, humble and amicable characteristics of the city that makes everyone fall in lve with it.


To penetrate deep inside the skin of these cities one must have a taste of its real life and the best way letting the arms open to be able to smell, touch and see deep behind the gritty surface. It could be savoring authentic cuisines, or by sharing a cup of tea at some tea stall with locals, or could be uttering “hello” to the fellow traveler in the local train; giving side to your fears and going up-close and personal with the region is the best way to enjoy tours to West India.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Highlights of East India Tours

East India tours introduce one to the Seven Sister States of the lush green eastern part of Indian sub-continent. The region is the historical centre of Maurya, Pala, Kalinga and Sunga empires. After great Kalinga War on Ashoka’s orders Buddhism was spread across Asia and East India got highly influenced by it and it is for this region that it still holds several historic monuments. With one of the ancient most universities, Nalanda University established in the region, it is also a great epitome of art, literature and learning. On tours to East India one cannot help but notice and admire the geographical vivacity of the Seven Sister States of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Meghalaya. Their tea estates, misty mountains, lush greenery and horde of wild animals are greatest attractions visited by gamut of travelers every year.


Rich biodiversity attracts thousands of globetrotters to the eastern region of India and the virgin beauty impresses all its visitors. The diversified natural splendor is laden with diverse species of flora and fauna, cultural exuberance and richness of fabulous art and handicrafts. On East India tours sights and destinations one must not miss are:


Kamakhya Temple: A Shakti (holy shrine of cosmic power) temple situated on Nilachal Hill in Assam, Kamakhya temple is a well known Hindu pilgrimage site. According to the legend, the temple was built on the spot where a body part of Goddess Sati fell after Lord Shiva danced with her corpse. It is a in the complex of individual temples dedicated to different forms of mother goddess and symbolizes fusion of faiths and practices.


Kazirang National Park: Kaziranga National Park is a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site which boasts of highest density of tigers and two-thirds of the world’s Great One-horned Rhinoceroses. The lush vast expanse of the park is rich with elephant grass, dense forests and marshland. Four rivers including grand Brahmaputra meanders through the park located on the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot. Other wilds in the park which make it a must visit for all those on East India tours include elephants, wild water buffalo, swamp deer and endangered species of Red Panda.


Brahmaputra River: A trans-boundary river, Brahmaputra is one of the largest rivers in whole of Asia. The vast river appears ceaseless and its lower reaches are sacred to believers of Hinduism and the river is thus named Brahmaputra which literally means son of God Brahma.


Tea Gardens in Darjeeling: A Himalayan town, Darjeeling in West Bengal is a must visit for its gorgeous tea estates and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lush tea plantations are where world famous Darjeeling tea grows which is renowned for its great taste and sweet fragrance.



On East India tours other highlights are a visit to the cultural capital of country, Kolkata. The metropolitan though traffic clogged is where great poets and philosophers such as Rabindra Nath Tagore and Ramkrishna Paramhansa were born and gave birth to their great works. These and many more insightful, tranquilizing experiences await you when you plan to spend your vacation in the spectacular East India.

LES SOURCES DE CAUDALIE, suite "l'Île aux Oiseaux " by Maison Martin Margiela - Bordeaux-Martillac - FRANCE

A l'heure où vient de réouvrir l'hôtel La Maison Champs Elysées à Paris, j'ai préféré vous parler de la 1ère création de la Maison Martin Margiela en tant que designer d'intérieur, avec cette cabane-suite de luxe sur pilotis, baptisée "l'Île aux Oiseaux", une vraie petite perle en milieu naturel, trônant dans le Bassin d'Arcachon, parmi les parcs à huîtres, bateaux et refuges de mouettes et d'oiseaux de toutes sortes. Un hâvre de paix authentique, d'une douceur absolue, une atmosphère intérieure avant-gardiste et inattendue qui mêle élégance et minimalisme, des valeurs chères à Martin Margiela et aux Sources de Caudalie qui nous offrent là un dépaysement total à 2 vols d'oiseaux de Bordeaux...



"... Dans cet environnement si enchanteur où la vigne est l'architecte du paysage, nous avons toujours le même plaisir à faire plaisir. L'émerveillement de nos hôtes, séduits par cet écrin de douceur et de quiétude où la nature s'invite délicatement au gré des paons et des cygnes, est source de nos élans créatifs.
Ensemble, nous souhaitons partager les valeurs qui nous sont chères et qui caractérisent l'établissement: bien-être, générosité, authenticité, exception et émotion. C'est dans ce cadre que nous proposons une expérience rare d'hôtellerie: le Bucochic. Une échappée bucolique aux attentions raffinées et personnalisées ... pour un véritable retour aux sources.
Entrez dans l'univers des Sources de Caudalie, là où n'est que luxe, calme et sérénité."

Alice et Jérôme Tourbier, propriétaires des Sources de Caudalie*

*Les Sources de Caudalie est composé en totalité de 49 chambres et suites, de 2 restaurants et d'un spa Vinothérapie. Je traite ici volontairement que la suite l'Île aux Oiseaux, les autres sont à découvrir sur leur site internet.

Inaugurée début 2010 pour les 10 ans des Sources de Caudalie, au coeur du vignoble des Graves, l'Île aux Oiseaux est la réplique des cabanes tchanquées du bassin d'Arcachon, dont la décoration intérieure était en parfaite harmonie avec l'univers marin voisin. Les architectes de Maison Martin Margiela ont joué sur les contrastes et les oppositions tant par les matériaux et les meubles utilisés, que par les échos déformés intérieur-extérieur. Cette nouvelle décoration crée une expérience tout à fait unique à cheval entre la mode et le design.


Le blanc, noir et gris, couleurs de l'identité visuelle de la Maison Martin Margiela sont prédominantes dans cette suite. Les trompe-l'oeil, signature du style du créateur sont également présents dans la décoration: un papier photo représentant un appartement haussmannien recouvre l'ensemble des murs de la pièce principale. Aussi, le sol de la salle de bain est couvert en trompe-oeil d'un carrelage de pierres à cabochons noirs. Le poêle qui était présent dans la suite est remplacé par une cheminée en trompe-l'oeil intégrée dans le papier peint.
Au niveau du mobilier, l'accent a été mis sur la récupération. Une série de vieux miroirs tous différents en taille et en forme sont placés dans la salle de bain. Deux fauteuils des années 50 recouverts d'housses blanches trônent au milieu du salon.


La chambre et le salon sont couverts sur 3 niveaux: avec au sol des tapis en peaux de vaches blanches, des murs en trompe-l'oeil avec un imprimé photo noir, gris et blanc d'un appartement haussmannien et le plafond entièrement repeint en blanc. Seul le célèbre canapé rouge Bocca, encadré par des lampes crémaillères, tranche dans cet univers immaculé. La table basse, armoire et portes en miroir reflètent, agrandissent et illuminent l'ensemble de la pièce. Une cinquantaine de tréteaux constituent le bureau sur lequel la lampe bouteille de la Maison Margiela éclaire la pièce. Le coin nuit est entièrement blanc avec une tête de lit constituée de 12 oreillers blancs accrochés directement au mur.


Comme partout, dans les espaces d'eau, le blanc est la couleur dominante: les toilettes sont peintes du sol au plafond, la salle de bain a de la même façon, murs et plafond peints de blanc, seul le sol couvert d'un pvc imprimé d'un carrelage de pierres à cabochons noirs fait office de touche colorée. La baignoire sur pied, unique pièce de l'ancienne décoration, fait figure de relique. Le miroir, ou plutôt les multiples miroirs chinés et vieillis, s'entrelacent au-dessus des vasques, ces dernières rappelant celles des écoles du début du siècle.


Une belle invitation à voyager alliant l'univers de la marque de couture Maison Martin Margiela à un   environnement naturel sain, serein et authentique.



par Maison Martin Margiela, créateur belge.

Date d'ouverture: début 2010

LES SOURCES DE CAUDALIE***** 
Suite l'Île aux Oiseaux 
Chemin de Smith Haut Lafitte
33650 Bordeaux-Martillac
FRANCE

Tel: +33 (0) 5 57 83 83 83
Fax: + 33 (0) 5 57 83 83 84
Prix: 750 € par nuit pour une occupation double. 
Un forfait spécial "l'Île aux Oiseaux" par Maison Martin Margiela à 430 € par personne, petits déjeuners et dîners compris, un accueil personnalisé VIP et un cadeau signé Maison Martin Margiela, à consulter sur leur site internet.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Big Store Sale Next Saturday - Bright and Early


Hey Gang

Mike is hosting a Spring Cleaning Sale at the shop next weekend on Saturday April 30 from 6AM all day long. The shop will be blowing out some old stock at bargain basement prices. Please stop on by and check out the goods. Thank you

BSG Facebook

Friday, April 22, 2011

Hyderabad Hotels: Best of Business and Luxury Class

Epitome of courtly grace and charm, Hyderabad is the famous "City of Nizams". To match up to the elegance and sophistication of the city hotels in Hyderabad serve their guests with overwhelming hospitality with top-notch comforts. The city" rich cultural lineage and the present day booming impact are great examples of city" prosperity and splendor which continues even till today. Like the A-1 city itself Hyderabad hotels too matches high standards with their updated infrastructure, elegant design, state-of-the-art amenities and array of leisure and business amenities.A budding business hub, Hyderabad has emerged with a new Avtaar with the rise of various elegant business and luxury properties. The finest of Hyderabad hotelsare located at the prime location nearby city" business districts, commercial centers and places of tourist interest. Few amongst best of hotels in the city are:


ITC Hotel Kakatiya Sheraton and Towers: Grand art and sculpture of the hotel are great reminiscent of the legendary spirit of Kakatiya dynasty; the hotel overlooking pictorial Hussain Sagar Lake is name for luxury personified. Plush with 188 extravagant guest rooms and suites the hotel proffers personalized services and exceptional hospitality. The five star property features state-of-the-art Business and conference facilities and treats the guests with a selection of refined culinary delights


Courtyard by Marriott: One of the ace business hotels is Hyderabad, Courtyard by Marriott is set in the heart of the city. The hotel offers breathtaking views of the famous Hussain Sagar Lake and treats its guests with delicious cuisines at all day eateries. 7 well- appointed meeting rooms offer all the amenities to shape up your corporate event as per your requirements. Conferencing amenities include Hi-speed Internet access, flexible spaces for multiple parallel sessions, audio and visual conferencing amenities and more.


Golkonda Resorts Spa: A soulful ambiance is maintained with the picturesque backdrop of the Gandipet Lake. Situated amid rolling hills, gurgling water- bodies and beauteous flora the hotel is a cocoon of comfort and rejuvenation. Here one wakes up to the rhythmic sounds of chirping birds and can indulge in therapeutic massages of its in-built spa. Extensive range of banqueting and conferencing amenities to revitalizing spa and massage parlor at this five star hotel are some of the highlights that attracts horde of tourists every year.


Ellaa Hotels: Designed to perfection a fabulous five star property, Ellaa Hotel in the city is equipped with all the modern day comforts. The hotel meets international standards of hospitality with its flawless services and upgraded amenities. The highlights of the hotel includes modern Nirva Spa, a class lounge bar- Alchemy, the open air barbeque- Kebab Pavilion, coffee shop and multi-cuisine restaurant- Indus, the bar- Rocks, Italian cuisine restaurant- Italia, the café- Expresso and much more.

Classic interiors, specialty restaurants, elaborately designed dining venues, elegant guestrooms and gamut of leisure and business amenities makes these luxury and business Hyderabad hotels ideal choice for many. The personalized services offered by efficient hotel staff further couple the elongated list of amenities and thereby providing a cozy and comfortable mode of accommodation impressive enough to steal hearts of even the most discerning of guests.

How to Creatively Add More Shoe Storage to your Closet

In every home there is a certain item(s) that is the culprit of most storage problems. In the kid’s rooms it may be too many toys and in the garage it is too many boxes. If you are someone who enjoys shoes, and actually have more shoes than clothes, your closet storage may be paying the price! Shoe storage is a challenge because of the space needed, and that pairs of shoes must stay together for organization and ease of finding. If you are struggling with finding more shoe storage, try these simple tips:


Assess you current shoes and storage area: There are several different shoe scenarios that need to be determined first. In order to create storage, you will need to purge, donate, or throw away. Determine if your current shoe stock are shoes that you actually wear or if they are old and need to be removed. If you actually wear the shoes then a plan for storage is in order.


  • Separate your closet into areas: Shoe storage can be as simple as a shelf, or it can be as elaborate as a formal shoe organization ‘system’, complete with clear bins, and photographs of the shoe on the outside of the bin. Determine what areas of your closet can be used for only shoes. Shoes shouldn’t be intermingled with hanging clothes. The better line of site you have to your shoes the better. Separate clothes, accessories, large items in an adjacent area away from shoes.
  • Treat your shoes like display: If you have shoes that are as beautiful off your feet as on, you may consider storing your shoes like display items! Consider using creative shelves, and decorative molding to hang heeled shoes from. This display will make it easy to pick shoes out in a hurry and make your bedroom look ultra chic! Closet organization systems can be made to look as beautiful as cabinetry and custom millwork. Depending on your budget and your decorative style, there is a shoe display to meet your needs.
 

Give current storage a multifunctional purpose: Look through your current storage closet and see where you can steal space. Use hanging shoe dividers on the back or inside of closet doors. Use upper shelves of closets, and maximize vertical height by adding on shoe shelving. If you have space, dedicate an entire coat or broom closet to shoe organization. You may be able to relocate household items to a laundry room or utility room hanging wall storage area. Use under bed rolling clear bins for seasonal and occasional footwear to maximize space in your closet for everyday shoes.


Shoe storage in your home shouldn’t be difficult and depending on how many shoes you have, it can be made easier by following these tips. Consider how much space you have to work with and consider accruing less shoes than you have space for. In order for your shoe storage to work for an extended amount of time you will have to keep track of your growth. If you are an avid shoe shopper, your creative storage area will need to be able to accommodate growth, or you will be stuck right back in the same place, again!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

NEW HOTEL by Fernando & Humberto Campana - Athènes - GRECE

Voici les premières photos du NEW hotel, dernier hôtel design né de la gamme YES hotels (cf. SEMIRAMIS) qui ouvrira ses portes en juin prochain. 79 chambres et suites en plein coeur d'Athènes, dans le quartier de la Plaka, avec les frères Campana, designers brésiliens, en concepteurs...

♣ Première le 1er juin 2011 






Situé dans un ancien palace olympique construit en 1958 par l'architecte Iasonas Rizos, les frères Campana ont investi les lieux et ont apporté leur brazilian touch, un regard du Brésil sur la Grèce. 
Artisanat local, récupération et détournement des matériaux, sont les maîtres mots de l'établissement, que l'on retrouve dans le mobilier ou la décoration de l'hôtel. (fauteuils Favela ou Leather Works édités chez Edra et signés Campana).




Un restaurant hallucinant!






L'hôtel dispose de 79 chambres avec du mobilier de salle de bain "déconstructiviste", taillé tel un beau bijou scintillant et reflétant la lumière.

Trois ambiances d'inspirations pour les chambres:

1/ Karagiozis, marionnettes du théâtre d'ombres traditionnel, issues de l'héritage culturel grecque. 
Des silhouettes dorées parcourent les murs et vous accompagnent dans vos rêves...


2/ Invitation au voyage dans l'Athènes d'Antan.
Des anciennes cartes postales d'époque jonchent les murs et racontent des morceaux de vie de l'Histoire d'Athènes.


3/ L'oeil, symbole porte bonheur grec.
Une installation faite de perles "d'iris des yeux", porte bonheur grec, qui ont pour fonction de veiller sur vous...


par Fernando et Humberto CAMPANA, designers brésiliens.

Date d'ouverture: 1er juin 2011

16, Fillelinon str.,
10557 Syntagma
Athènes, GRECE

Tel: +30 210 6284400
Tel: +30 210 6284499


Prix: de nombreuses offres et packages à consulter sur leur site internet.