Samaria Gorge National Park

The gorge of Samaria is situated in the National park of Samaria, in the White Mountains in West Crete. This majestuous gorge is considered one of the great attractions of Crete and many tourists want to visit it. But you must realise that it is a long (5 to 7 hours) walk on rough terrain so you will need to have a certain degree of fitness and walking experience in order to enjoy it.

The Samaria National Park has traditionally always opened to the public at the beginning of May. It has often been possible to enter the gorge of Samaria at some point in April from the bottom part but this depends on the weather and the amount of work needed to restore the path after the winter rains.

The gorge of Samaria closes to the public at the end of October. but may close earlier if autumn rains (not uncommon in October) damage the path or make some cliffs unstable.

The gorge will also be closed on rainy days (when there is a danger of rock falls).In winter, high water makes the gorge of Samaria dangerous and impassable.

The park opens daily at daylight (so the exact time will vary depending on the time of the year) and closes in the evening. If you want to enter the park after around 14.00 you will not be allowed past the first quarter of the walk and will need to return to your starting point.

You have to pay an entrance fee of Euro 5.00 to enter the park (free to children under 15, half price to students).


Tourist Attractions in Greece, Samaria Gorge National Park, Greece travel attraction, Samaria Gorge in Crete, Hiking in Crete

Shangri-la Villingili Resort Maldives launches private jet services

Shangri-Las Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives has launched a new private jet service to brings guests directly to the resort in luxury.

The resort is the only one in the Maldives with its own executive airport - Gan Executive International Airport - which is located on Addu Atoll, just five minutes away by private speedboat.

A new co-operation between Shangri-Las Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives and Gan International Airport means hotel guests can now by-pass the international airport on Male and fly direct to Gan Executive International Airport offers Shangri-Las first-class service, a private jet lounge, on-site immigration, customs support and baggage screening.

Other benefits of the Private Jet Experience include accommodation in one of the resorts Presidential Villas, champagne, a romantic dolphin cruise, a daily massage at CHI, The Spa, an exclusive “Dine By Design” dining option, a personal mobile telephone and a personal villa host.

Rene D. Egle, general manager of Shangri-Las Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives said: “With Gan Executive International Airport, we have found the ideal partner to provide guests arriving by private jet a memorable experience.  The perfect service and the highest quality standards – the creme de la creme– is guaranteed for our guests right from the start."

 Shangri-Las Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives, on Addu Atoll, is the first luxury resort south of the equator in the Maldives.  The resort features 132 villas with views of the ocean or of the island’s natural lush vegetation.

Shangri-Las Villingili Resort Debuts Maldives First Golf Course

Golf enthusiasts at Shangri-Las Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives are in for a treat with the introduction of the country first nine-hole recreational golf course at the resort. Designed by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and opened on March 27, 2012, the new course sits on seven and a half hectares of previously undeveloped land at the southern end of the island.

Spectacular sights await guests at each of the nine holes, mostly par three and averaging 123.4 yards in length. Designed to be a fun course for golf aficionados and beginners alike, the course was developed with the islands natural beauty in mind, enhancing existing flora to highlight the gleaming ocean and turquoise lagoon along a scenic walking path. A diversity of palms, pandanus and various exotic plants are dotted along sandy beach coves on the east and west shorelines.
 

 

To commemorate the event, the resort is offering an introductory golf package valid from now to May 9, 2012. For a minimum stay of four nights, guests may enjoy the following benefits:
 

• One complimentary green fee for two persons for bookings in a Pool Villa, Deluxe Pool Villa, Water Villa, Ocean View Villa or Beach Villa
• Waived daily green fee for bookings in a Tree House Villa, Two Bedroom Beach Villa, Villa Muthee or Villa Laalu.

The golf course is exclusive to guests of Shangri-Las Villingili Resort and Spa. Facilities include a clubhouse, refreshment bar and a pro shop carrying an assortment of golf apparel, gear and merchandise. Shoe and equipment rental services are also available.

The introductory green fee of US$80 per adult includes a golf set, golf balls and unlimited rounds per day. Children play free on golf activities scheduled by Cool Zone, the children club at the resort.

“We are excited to offer a new experience to the Maldives traveler,” said Rene D. Egle, general manager of Shangri-Las Villingili Resort and Spa. “Apart from our other recreational options, the Villingili Golf Course will add a new and unique activity for our guests – a game of golf amid expansive views of the Indian Ocean.”

Set amidst sensational sandy beaches and lush tropical foliage, Shangri-Las Villingili Resort and Spa is a luxury all-villa Maldives resort property located in a spacious, boutique-style environment. The luxurious accommodations include private ocean retreats and tropical tree house villas making it a premier Maldives luxury resort, while a selection of fine-dining choices and innovative spa treatments have been carefully designed to stimulate the senses.