Corcovado, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, is the Corcovado. The Corcovado is a mountain and the name means ‘hunchback’ in Portuguese. Previously, the mountain was named Pinaculo da Tentacao, which means ‘Pinnacle of Temptation’.

The Corcovado is world famous for the huge Christ the Redeemer statue crowning its peak. From the peak tourists can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the sea and mountains. With outstretched arms the statue of Christ the Redeemer is 98 feet high and is situated on a 26-feet pedestal. The statute weighs 1,145 tons, and it also has a chapel which can accommodate 150 people.

This monument celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2001. It was inaugurated on 12th October, 1931, on the day of Our Lady of Aparecida (national patroness). The statue was designed by Carlos Oswald and developed by the Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa. The statute took five years to complete.

Travelers can climb up the Corcovado by taking the century-old Corcovado Train or car. While travelling up by train they can experience the beautiful landscape of Rio De Janeiro. The train was inaugurated by Dom Pedro II , Emperor of Brazil, in 1884 and the whole ride takes around 20 minutes.

The ride is environment friendly as the train is electric. Part of the funds from the entrance tickets goes to the Brazilian Institute for the Preservation of Nature or IBAMA. While climbing the mountain you will pass through the largest urban forest in the world, the Tijuca Forest. It is a great place for walking and bicycle riding. In 1881 the whole forest was replanted with 60,000 trees by Major Manoel Gomes Archer.

It is impossible to imagine a trip to Rio de Janeiro without visiting Christ the Redeemer. Located on top of Corcovado's Mount, the monument is the best-known Brazilian image, famous all over the world. Every year, more than six hundred thousand people are taken to Christ the Redeemer's statue through the almost hundred-year-old Corcovado's Railway, the oldest tourist excursion in the country.

Apart from being amazed by seeing Marvelous City's most beautiful landscapes, visitors will also take an educational trip throughout Brazil's recent history. Corcovado's Train was inaugurated in 1884 by Brazilian Emperor Dom Pedro II and it has already transported on its cars several distinguished personalities such as popes, kings, princes, presidents, artist and scientists.

This is also an eco-tour. The train cuts through the world's largest urban forest: Tijuca's National Park, a part of the so-called Atlantic Forest, considered as an example of nature conservation.

And everyone who travels on Corcovado's Railway helps take care of the forest: the train is moved by electricity; therefore, it's not contaminating whatsoever. In addition to that, part of the ticket sale will go to fundraising for Brazilian Institute of the Environment (IBAMA) which is in charge of forest conservation issues.
 

Corcovado's Railway

Corcovado's Railway was the first of its kind to use electric energy in Brazil. It's even older than Christ's statue itself and was inaugurated in 1884 by Emperor Dom Pedro II. In fact, the train was used for four consecutive years at that time to carry parts of the monument.

Back in those days, the steam engine was regarded as a real miracle of civil engineering for covering a 3824-meter long railway in a complete steep terrain. However, in 1910, these trains were replaced by electric machines and more recently, in 1979, the company Esfeco took charge of the railway and brought safer and more modern train models from Switzerland.

Christ the Redeemer

The typical Brazilian post-card had its foundation stone placed in 1922 and was inaugurated on October 12, 1931. Christ the Redeemer, icon of Rio de Janeiro city, was chosen out of 21 nominated monuments all over the world as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World through an online and cellular phone messaging election organized by the New Seven Wonders Foundation from Switzerland. 

The prize was really deserved. From its 38-meter height – and from Corcovado's Mount's 710-meter tall, Christ the Redeemer is the symbol of faith and happiness of carioca people (native Rio de Janeiro people) and it will turn 82 years old in 2013. Since the year 2000, when it gained a new lighting system, the monument has been going through a upgrading process. The highest point of it was the installation of mechanical access in 2002, including escalators and panoramic elevators.

Tijuca Forest

Situated in the heart of the city, a few minutes away from most part of Rio's neighborhoods, Tijuca Forest is the world's largest urban forest replanted by men. Its reforestation was carried out in XIX century as a pioneer initiative in Latin America, after years of indiscriminate logging and planting, mainly for coffee production. Holding around 3200 hectares, this natural area features hundreds of flora and fauna species which can be only found within the Atlantic Forest.

Tijuca Forest owns locations and historical attractions that are worth a visit, such as: Cascatinha (Little Waterfall), Capela Mayrink (Mayrink Chapel), Mirante Excelsior (Excelsior Viewpoint), Barracão (Big Shack), Gruta Paulo and Virginia (Paulo and Virginia Cave), Lago das Fadas (Fairy's Lake), Vista Chinesa (Chinese Viewpoint) and Açude da Solidão (Solitude Weir), all of them spots often visited by entire families on the weekends.

• ·  The mountain peak is 2330-feet high and lies west of the city center.
• ·  Corcovado is a granite peak.

The Corcovado Mountain is located in central Rio De Janeiro. It is located inside the Tijuca Forest which is a national park. Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport is the nearest airport to the Corcovado mountain. The peak can be accessed both by road and railways.


The months from September through November are the best time to visit the Corcovado mountain.

Nearby Attractions: Rio de Janeiro, Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, Copacabana Beach, Ipanema Beach and Tijuca Jungle.

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Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island in South Australia boasts of unspoilt and pristine beauty as the authorities did not want the natural beauty of the place to be diminished by overdevelopment and excessive tourism. It is one of the rare places in the world where civilization and wilderness co-exist in harmony and peace. The place is replete with a wide array of flora and fauna, cliffs and beaches.

As far as the fauna of the island is concerned, besides kangaroos, you can also see sea lions, penguins, dolphins and koalas here in a natural environment. The island houses the premier sea lion watching destination, the Seal Bay Conservation Park that boasts of 600 sea lions. The park allows you to see the sea lions from close quarters, you can see them idling about in the sun, nurturing pups, or heading into the ocean for fish. The island also features the Flinders Chase National Park that is located on the south-western tip of the island, and is home to a wide spectrum of flora and fauna.

Kangaroo Island’s coastline is replete with spectacular beaches and cliffs. Some of the popular beach destinations in the area are Stokes Bay, Emu Bay and Vivonne Bay. These beaches are an ideal place to rest and relax and also offer breathtaking natural beauty and scenery. Antechamber Bay on Dudley Peninsula is a site for camping and bush walking on Kangaroo Island.

While on Kangaroo Island do not miss:

·         Tasting honey made by Ligurian bees.

·         Fishing on pristine beaches.

·         Going on an eco tour or charter.

·         Surfing under the dramatic rock arc of Admirals Arch

·         Staying at the super-luxe clifftop Southern Ocean Lodge (if budget is not a constraint)

·  Kangaroo Island covers an area of 4,405 sq km.

·  It is Australia’s third largest island.

·  The island features a coastline of 540 km.

·  Prospect Hill is the highest point of Kangaroo Island.

Kangaroo Island is located near the tip of the South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. The journey to Kangaroo Island from Adelaide Airport takes around four hours and the trip includes a ferry.

                                    

Kangaroo Island can be visited throughout the year. It has milder winters and cooler summers.
December through February are summer months and the wildlife takes refuge in the bush habitat to escape the summer heat. The beaches look spectacular at this time. From March through May due to the rainfall there is greenery and the waterways start flowing. The months of September to November mark rebirth. It is spring time, and a number of animals, birds and flowers are seen on the island. From June to August the island experiences winter and is the most appealing time as in the backdrop of the lush green countryside abundant wildlife can be spotted performing their natural activities.

Nearby Attractions: Fleurieu Peninsula, Adelaide, Flinders Ranges, and Eyre Peninsula.

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Angkor Wat - Cambodia

Angkor in Cambodia is a complex of religious temples at the capital of the Khmer Empire and is the most important archaeological site in the region. The most famous of these temples is Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple built under the rule of King Suryavarman II in the Temple Mountain architectural style. Angkor Wat, which means Ctiy of Temples in Khmer, was the state temple and capital city, and later became a mausoleum for Suryavarman II.

Angkor Wat differs from many other temples because it is oriented to the west rather than the east. This could have been because the king wanted it to be a burial temple for himself, or it may have been because it was dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu, who has associations with the west.

Representing Mount Meru, the temple is surrounded by a rectangular moat with entrances on the west and east, constructed in a mountain-like pyramidal shape, crowned by exactly five towers, symbolizing the five peaks of Mount Meru. A statue of Vishnu, called Ta Reach is among the artwork and many decorations around Angkor Wat.

Around 5 million tons of sandstone was used in the construction of the temple complex. The sandstone was transported from a quarry located 25 miles away. An interesting fact about the raw material used in construction is that the Khmer bricks were bound together invisibly by applying a vegetable compound instead of the mortar.

After King Suryavarman II’s death in around 1150, construction on the temple ended. It was conquered and later restored by King Jayavarman VII, who built a new temple, Bayon, and moved the new state capital to Angkor Thom. Angkor Wat is the biggest tourist attraction in the country, and has become an important part of Cambodian history and culture.

ANGKOR WAT was listed in World Wonder List

Angkor Wat, in its beauty and state of preservation, is unrivaled. Its mightiness and

magnificence bespeak a pomp and a luxury surpassing that of a Pharaoh or a Shah Jahan, an impressiveness greater than that of the Pyramids, an artistic distinctiveness as fine as that of the Taj Mahal.

 Angkor Wat is located about six kilometers (four miles) north of Siem Reap, south of Angkor Thom. Entry and exit to Angkor Wat can only be access from its west gate. Angkor Wat was built in the first half of the 12th century (113-5BC). Estimated construction time of the temple is 30 years by King Suryavarman II, dedicated to Vishnu (Hindu), replica of Angkor Thom style of art.

BACKGROUND

Angkor Wat, the largest monument of the Angkor group and the best preserved, is an architectural masterpiece. Its perfection in composition, balance, proportions, relief's and sculpture make it one of the finest monuments in the world.

Wat is the Khmer name for temple (the French spelling is "vat "), which was probably added to "Angkor "when it became a Theravada Buddhist monument, most likely in the sixteenth century. After 1432 when the capital moved to Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat was cared for by Buddhist monks.

It is generally accepted that Angkor Wat was a funerary temple for King Suryavarman II and oriented to the west to conform to the symbolism between the setting sun and death. The bas-reliefs, designed for viewing from left to right in the order of Hindu funereal ritual, support this function.

ARCHITECTURAL PLAN

The plan of Angkor Wat is difficult to grasp when walking through the monument because of the vastness. Its complexity and beauty both attract and distract one's attention. From a distance Angkor Wat appears to be a colossal mass of stone on one level with a long causeway leading to the center but close up it is a series of elevated towers, covered galleries, chambers, porches and courtyards on different levels linked by stairways.

The height of Angkor Wat from the ground to the top of the central tower is greater than it might appear: 213 meters (699 feet), achieved with three rectangular or square levels (1-3) Each one is progressively smaller and higher than the one below starting from the outer limits of the temple.

Covered galleries with columns define the boundaries of the first and second levels. The third level supports five towers –four in the corners and one in the middle and these is the most prominent architectural feature of Angkor Wat. This arrangement is sometimes called a quincunx. Graduated tiers, one rising above the other, give the towers a conical shape and, near the top, rows of lotuses taper to a point.

The overall profile imitates a lotus bud, Several architectural lines stand out in the profile of the monument. The eye is drawn left and right to the horizontal aspect of the levels and upward to the soaring height of the towers. The ingenious plan of Angkor Wat only allows a view of all five towers from certain angles. They are not visible, for example, from the entrance. Many of the structures and courtyards are in the shape of a cross. 

The Visitor should study the plan on page 86 and become familiar with this dominant layout. A curved sloping roof on galleries, chambers and aisles is a hallmark of Angkor Wat. From a distance it looks like a series of long narrow ridges but close up from identifies itself. It is a roof made of gracefully arched stone rectangles placed end to end. Each row of tiles is capped with an end tile at right angles the ridge of the roof.

The scheme culminates in decorated tympanums with elaborate frames. Steps provide access to the various levels. Helen Churchill Candee, who visited Angkor in the 1920s, thought their usefulness surpassed their architectural purpose.

The steps to Angkor Wat are made to force a halt at beauteous obstruction that the mind may be prepared for the atmosphere of sanctity, she wrote In order to become familiar with the composition of Angkor Wat the visitor should learn to recognize the repetitive elements in the architecture. Galleries with columns, towers, curved roofs, tympanums, steps and the cross-shaped plan occur again and again.

It was by combining two or more of these aspects that a sense of height was achieved. This arrangement was used to link one part of the monument to another. Roofs were frequently layered to add height, length or dimension. A smaller replica of the central towers was repeated at the limits of two prominent areas-the galleries and the entry pavilions. The long causeway at the entrance reappears on the other side of the entry pavilion.

  Angkor Wat was constructed in the early 12th century.·

  Angkor Wat became a Theravada Buddhist site in around the 13th century.·

  The temple complex is even featured on the nation’s flag.·

  Angkor Wat was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.·

  Covering an area of 40,100 ha, Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world.·

Angkor Wat lies 5.5 kilometres (3.4 mi) north of the modern town of Siem Reap
Angkor is part of the Siem Reap province, just north of the town of the same name, and east of the former capital, Baphuon.

Winter (November through February) is the perfect time to visit Angkor Wat as the weather is pleasant.

The Angkor Wat opens from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Tickets are available for:
One day: $20
Three days: $40
Seven days: $60

The tickets are valid for consecutive days, respectively.

Nearby attractions: Phnom Bakheng, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm and Lake Tonlé Sap.

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Leblon, Rio de Janeiro - Brazil

Leblon, a neighborhood in Rio De Janeiro, is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Rio. Leblon is famous for its beach that is located right next to Ipanema Beach, at the far west end of the same coastline. A shallow canal and park known as Jardim de Ala or Allah’s Gardens separate the two beach front areas in Rio De Janeiro. Some of Rio’s most chic clubs, restaurants and boutiques are found thronged in Leblon and its nearby streets.

 Apart from that, several movie halls, theaters, nightclubs and concert halls are also located in this area of Rio. Leblon has a romantic history. The land originally belonged to a Frenchman named Charles Le Blond and the place is named after him. The place was once a hiding place for the runaway slaves as it was difficult to access. Despite its cosmopolitan atmosphere and modernity, Leblon in Rio De Janeiro beautifully retains its small town charm.

Upper Leblon also known as Alto Leblon, is a residential area. This hilly region in the western edge of Leblon is a favorite hangout for the elites in Rio. There are many exclusively designed residential houses, mansions, and posh apartments that will catch your eye. Besides there are several other attractions around Leblon that you cannot miss during sightseeing in Rio De Janeiro.

Leblon boasts of one of Rio’s most scenic drives, Av. Niemeyer. This road connects Leblon to São Conrado. Jardim Pernambuco is probably Rio’s most exclusive residential area. There are many elegantly designed mansions in this area. Once in Leblon you must visit Bracarense. It is the best botequim style café and restaurant in the city. The traditional restaurant is reputed for its 50 years of excellent service.

Also visit Scala, the concert hall cum nightclub at Leblon, to feel the rhythm of the night in Rio. All these diversities makes Leblon one of the most popular attractions in the city of Rio De Janeiro.

Leblon has a romantic history. It was an area area of difficult access, and it was once used as a hiding place for runaway slaves.  The land originally belonged to Frenchman Charles Le Blond, who owned a fishing company named Aliança. He sold the land to Portuguese José de Seixas Magalhaes.

Leblon started to grow with Ipanema, when a streetcar line connected them to the rest of the city. Leblon was at the end of the line, and it grew at a somewhat slower pace. Even though it's very cosmopolitan today, it still retains a small town charm with neighborhood shops that have been around for generations.

Upper Leblon (Alto Leblon) is almost strictly residential. This hilly area on the West side of Leblon is a favorite spot for Rio's rich and famous. There are many houses, mansions and posh apartments. It starts on the left lane of Av. Visconde de Albuquerque and goes uphill. Some streets are still cobblestone. There is a curious paper-thin building looming over Alto Leblon than can be easily spotted from the beach. According to a dweller you can actually feel the building sway when there is a strong wind...

Lower Leblon (Baixo Leblon) is the bohemian side of the neighborhood, and it ruled nightlife in the 70's and 80's. A stop for a pizza or beer was almost mandatory after a night of fun - some restaurants and bars remain open until past 4 a.m. This area starts at Cazuza Square and includes streets Dias Ferreira and the beginning of Ataulfo de Paiva. 

Though landmark nightspots like Real Astoria and Diagonal are no longer around, it is still a good bet for after-hours. The area surrounding Clipper, a bar further along Av. Ataulfo de Paiva, is also very popular. It has lately become a sort of a meeting spot where the young celebrate major soccer games.

Leblon Beach went "under renovations" in the early 90's. The eroded sand strip became too narrow, and part of it was reclaimed. Now it is as wide as Ipanema. The water is still not suitable for swimming after it rains, though. There is a famous baby-boomer spot across from Rua Venâncio Flores. This is where young Leblon mothers and their babies get their daily dose of tropical sun, early in the morning.

Main street Ataulfo de Paiva was recently refurbished with project Rio Cidade. Like in Ipanema the street lights, signs and even public phones are unique. Many corners gained charming wooden seats. Stop and sit for a while to watch the pedestrians passing by, and maybe you will understand why Cariocas have a permanent love affair with Leblon.

The “Dois Irmãos” or “the Two Brothers” peak constitutes the western border on Leblon.

Av. Niemeyer in Leblon was opened in 1916. It took 30 years for the completion of this scenic drive.

Leblon is located in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. You can take a private taxi or a private coach or private minicoach or private coach from Rio de Janeiro Galeão airport (GIG) to reach Leblon.

July through September is the best time to visit Leblon as these months experience less rainfall and the weather is also pleasant. However, the streets are crowded with tourists from all over the world during summers.

Nearby Attractions: Rue de castiglione, Penedo, Bar D’Hotel, Ipanema Beach and Praia do Arpoador.

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Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park in Australia is a major tourist attraction that draws tourists with its wide variety of flora and fauna along with its towering escarpment containing aboriginal rock art. This place of natural beauty has a lot to offer:

Fauna

One of the highlights of the Kakadu National Park is definitely its fauna; here you can see animals like crocodiles, wallabies, dingos, goannas and countless species of birds. Some of the birds at the park are, endangered species such as the Red Goshawk, Hooded Parrot, Partridge Pigeon and Rainbow Pitta.

Some of the best places to view the birds and animals are Anbangbang Billabong, Bardedjilidji Walk, Illigadjarr Walk, Yurmikmik Walks.

Rock Art

Look the amazing rock art created by ancestors, especially the Rainbow Serpent who is believed to have painted her image on the rock surface as she passed over the Ubirr Rock. Nourlangie Rock at the Anbangbang Gallery is another attraction of the park.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls can be seen in the Jim Jim and Twin Falls region, and the Mary River region. Some of the waterfalls worth seeing are Gunlom Falls and Maguk, which flows even in the dry season.

Camping and Safari tours

Camping tours and safari tours to the park are extremely popular with the tourists. There are many campgrounds in the park. Accommodation options are also ample; there are many inns and hotels that are located near the park.

Adventure activities

The park is also a site for numerous activities that include rock climbing, trekking, and other adventure sports. One of the favorite activities in the park is bushwalking and you can also opt for fishing in places like Sandy Billabong, and Jim Jim Billabong and waters west of the Kakadu Highway. 

Boating is another popular activity in the park; however, it can be dangerous because of the presence of the crocodiles in the waters. The park offers Guluyambi and Yellow water cruises.

There are certain things without which you should never visit the park like life jackets, water, a torch and a tool kit.

 Kakadu National Park spreads over an area of 1,980,995 ha.

The park was established on April 5, 1979.

The park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.

Kakadu is one of the most weed-free conservation areas in the world.

The park is a home to 280 bird species, 68 mammals, 120 reptiles, 26 frog species, and over 300 fish species.

Kakadu National Park is located in the Northern territory of Australia, 250 kms east of the city of Darwin. Kakadu National Park is just 135 miles from Darwin Airport.

The ideal time to visit the Kakadu National Park is during the summers. It is advisable to avoid tours of the park in between May and September, as the park is flooded during this period.

The park opens round the clock throughout the year. However, there are some areas in the park that open on specific timings:

  Bowali Visitor Centre opens from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.

  Nourlangie Rock opens from dawn to dusk daily.

  Ubirr Rock opens from 8:30 am till sunset from 1 April to 30 November; and from 2:00 pm  

  till sunset from 1 December to 31 March.

Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre opens from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.

Passes are required to enter the park. The passes are valid for 14 consecutive days. The pass for an adult costs $25. The entry of a Northern Territory resident and child (under 16 years) is free.

Nearby Attractions: Warradjan Cultural Center, Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park, and Litchfield National Park.

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Puente del Inca - Argentina

Puente del Inca in Argentina is one of the most remarkable natural wonders. It is a natural stone bridge over the River Caves, situated 2,720 m above the sea level in Mendoza. Researchers suppose that in ancient times ice covered the river, and the ice sheet formed a support for snow, dust and rocks that fell from the nearby mountains in avalanches.. 

This stone bridge over the Rio Mendoza has rock walls and the remnants of an old yellow-colored spa underneath. There are large quantities of mineral deposits that have collected underneath the bridge. There are provisions for hot bath at an ocher calcareous structure over Las Cuevas River. It is one of the most visited thermal centers. 

The geological formation of the bridge of Inca Argentina is strange and is an interesting place for history lovers. It is recommended that you do not miss this natural wonder of Argentina if you are traveling to the province of Mendoza in Argentina.

You will find there a train station of the Transandine Railway that was used by the visitors to reach the resort. Underneath the bridge you will spot several natural slopes where thermal water originated to a temperature that falls between the 34º C and 38ºC.

There are several legends associated with the construction of the bridge. One of the legends says prior to the arrival of the Spanish, the inheritor of the throne of the Inca Empire was struggling with a terrible and strange paralysis. When not even a single cure worked, the great sages of the kingdom told the king that his son could only be cured in a shed that would be found in a far-off place in the south.

 The king sent a caravan with his best warriors south from Qosqo. After some months, the caravan reached the high mountains which contained the springs of water that would cure their heir. The Inca warriors hugged each other to form a human bridge. The Inca walked over the human bridge to take his child to the baths, where he got cured. When he turned back to thank his warriors, he saw they were petrified.

 As they were thinking of the way to return, the high peaks dropped huge stones and boulders with a deafening noise. They saw that the god Inti (the sun) and Mama Quilla (Moon) had created a bridge so that reaching the source would not be difficult for them in the future.

In March 1835 Charles Darwin came to Puente del Inca, and made some sketches of the bridge and its remarkable stalactites.

The Puente del Inca Argentina is 28 meters wide and 47 meters long.

The Puente del Inca in Argentina or the bridge of Inca is located in the spectacular Andes Mountains, within close proximity to Mt. Aconcagua. You can reach Puerto del Inca by a three-hour drive from Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport.

The best time to visit the Puente del Inca is during winter and spring.

 Nearby Attractions: Parque de Nieve  Los Puquios.

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Hotel Kronenh of Pontresina, Switzerland

Being a young couple who likes to enjoy fine, tasty and cozzy style of life, this was definitely the perfect way of relaxing To start with an amazing view, elegant rooms and never ending storical building. A wellness area full of surprises and perfect decorated, it was worth a trip back to the Engadin. I can only recommended.

This is not only a hotel, it is a whole story. Amazing beautiful views and surroundings, very elegant and refined decoration, splendid spa area, delicious, really tasty food..... But the true masterpiece of the story is the personnel , the staff is doing such a great job you could hardly expect these days in services area. They are restless in making you feel so welcome and important, no matter what is the issue. 

All in all if you want a memorable escape/ski trip/vacation. You will find here the perfect place. They really are one of the best I have seen. Special thanks and best regards to Violetta and Davide, they made our stay more sweet and warm.

I had a wonderful stay at the Kronenhof where I joined my grandfather for one week of holidays. Coming from Zurich Airport the access is very easy by train (to Chur and then to Samedan where the hotel transfer can pick you up). I absolutely enjoyed every moment of our stay. 

Coming here since I am little I enjoyed much the total renovation of the Spa which is incredible now. The swimming pool with underwater music, the different hamams (normal and salt hamam), the relaxation bath, the different saunas (normal and bio sauna) were all great!

Breakfast is delicious (fresh fruit, figs, different breads, lots of cheeses, yoghurts, porridge, diffrent kind of teas). At night we enjoyed the delicious dinners in the Grand Restaurant with the beautiful music from the pianist (we could even ask our favourite songs) and also had dinner twice at the Kronenstubli where they serve on wednesday the Tafelspitz which I would absolutely recommend. The staffs  in both restaurants is so kind and helpful.

The rooms are very clean and quiet. During the day I enjoyed the sun at the terrace of the Pavilion with a beautiful view on the mountains.

As a fourth generation coming to the Kronenhof, I would absolutely recommend this hotel. Food, service, ambiance, interior, spa, you will have an unforgettable stay.

s a young, same-sex couple who would not normally have the resources for such luxury, we were delighted to find that we were made to feel entirely welcome by each member of the team.

We were staying at the Grand Hotel Kronenhof for numerous special occasions: the flights to Zurich were a birthday present to my partner, our stay at the hotel was a Christmas present to him, our visit was planned to coincide with my own birthday – and I had secret plans to propose to him! We shall never forget the great experience we had, the ways in which the team worked hard to ensure perfection.

The fact that we could not speak German or Italian was not a problem; everyone spoke English very well and we were treated with courtesy, grace and good humour. In particular the Concierge went to extreme lengths for us, managing to organise the hand delivery of an engagement ring to me without giving away the secret. They drove to Pontresina station to collect a person who had flown from London with the ring, and provided him with a place to hide in the Salon Bleu while we were on our way back from skiing. They also liaised with the ski rental shop and ski school in advance of our stay, ensuring we had good equipment and an excellent instructor, Alberto, who was patient, encouraging and spoke English fluently.


The facilities were first-rate. I belong to Virgin Active Health Clubs in London, which is a desirable and well-regarded brand of fitness centres, and they use exactly the same brand of gym equipment, both weights and machines. The difference was that I had the gym area to myself each morning, and a breathtaking view of the mountains. We also had full access to the spa, which consisted of several different rooms beyond the main swimming pool (with music playing underwater!) and hot tub. There was a silent room with waterbeds and pine scent where we would always meditate after our time in the spa, enjoying the view and feeling blessed.

Dining was exquisite. The policy of formal dress for dinner in the Grand Restaurant was fitting, as the full effect of the elegant setting and discipline of service would not have been felt without that level of participation from the guests. My partner works in fashion, so he was keen to dress up (our hanging bag broke en route because we had over-packed it), but we never felt overdressed. We were offered four courses each night, in addition to a cheese selection, coffees and petits fours, and we were pleased that they catered to my "pescatarian" diet and permitted selections from the low-fat menu as part of the main meal.

Finally, we felt flattered to have the Hotel Manager welcome us on arrival and speak with us each evening, as well as on departure. The Pianist played a particular piece at dinner that we had not heard before and came to love. He played it for us on request in the main room immediately after we returned from lunch (we were still dressed in partial ski-wear!) as a newly-engaged couple. 

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Pontresina from Zurich, we strongly recommend the train from Chur. Not only is it the safest way of travelling up the mountains, but the views from either side of the carriage justify the UNESCO World Heritage status. To avert the hassle of our changing trains at Samedan, the team drove us to and from Samedan station rather than Pontresina station, helped us with our luggage and provided us with bottled water. 

Even though I am not used to treating us to five-star hotels, I believe the level of service we received actually made the visit excellent value. Sleep Quality has been marked "Very Good" because the room was slightly too hot on the first night – but as soon as we mentioned it, as we could not find a thermostat, they changed it for us and we slept extremely well thereafter. Besides that tiny, momentary confusion, I don't know how the holiday could have been any better!

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Peninsula Valdes in Argentina

Peninsula Valdes in Argentina is one-of-a-kind wildlife sanctuary and is an ideal gateway to the nearby town of Puerto Madryn. The Peninsula Valdes is a unique natural reserve that has plenty of attractions to attract tourists from all over the world. Most of the place is barren, dotted with salt lakes.

National Route 3 runs the entire Patagonia from north to south, always staying close to shore. This route meets Provincial Route 2 at the height of Carlos Ameghino Isthmus. You should take this route to the east to enter the peninsula. By bus, plane or car, the starting point to get to this Natural Reserve is usually Puerto Madryn, which has all communication services: port, airport and tourist agencies.

From Puerto Madryn, in whale season (June to December), it's worth making a first tranche by Provincial Route 4, gravel route, taking the opportunity for a first Coastal Whale Watching on the beach EI Doradillo,considered natural reproduction area.

The Peninsula Valdes is an oasis of serenity. It is literally an island located on the eastern edge of central Patagonia in Argentina. Ameghino Isthmus is a 35-km narrow lane joining the natural reserve with the continent. Peninsula Valdes gives us a unique landscape where arid lands contrast with the blue and crystalline sea. You can play around with dolphins, seals and penguins. Watch the spectacular acts of whales, elephant, seals and sea lions at this beautiful place.

Some of the species that you will come across are rhea, foxes, flocks of guanacos, mara, wolves, sea dogs and many other fascinating animals and birds. Puerto Piramides is the only city in Peninsula Valdes which is built along the Golfo Nuevo and is ideal to watch whales playing and diving in the water.

It offers an insight into the variety of marine species. You can also visit the various fauna reserves such as Istmo Carlos Ameghino, Isla de los Pajaros, Puerto Piramides, Punta Delgada, Punta Cantor and Punta Norte. The best possible way to explore Peninsula Valdes is through diving. The best time to visit is August or September.

There are about 450 people that live in Peninsula Valdes dedicated to tourism and the pastoral attention of 150,000 sheep, 800 cows and 400 horses.

In 1999 UNESCO declared Peninsula Valdes as ‘”a site of global significance for the conservation of marine mammals.”

A 5-km wide strip of land connects Peninsula Valdes to the continent.

Valdes receives an average rainfall of 12 mm to 20 mm throughout the year.

Accommodation can only be found in the nearest towns – Puerto Madryn and Trelew.

Peninsula Valdes is an island located off the eastern coast of Patagonia in Argentina, connected by a narrow isthmus to the mainland. The nearest airport is in Trelew.

The best time of the year to see whales here is from May until September. From September to April it is the best time to watch penguins. Sea Lion and elephant seal watching is done throughout the year. It is good to visit Valdes during the day time. It must be noted that the winters are extremely cold while heavy winds blow in spring.

The entry ticket for foreigners is ARG$100 while Argentine residents have to pay just ARG$30

Nearby Attractions: Punta Loma, Gaiman, Isla de los Pajaros Nature Reserve, and Dolavan.

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