Whatever your requirements, Bora Bora has a luxury hotel for you. You can choose a studio or one bedroom suite at the Hilton or opt to stay in a resort alongside a lagoon. You’ll find many waterside resorts with individual thatched bungalows near the beach. They look charming and provincial but provide all the modern conveniences right down to plasma televisions and Wi-Fi internet access. Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa, ten minutes from the airport, is one of these luxurious resorts where you’ll find private outdoor soaking pools, a full service spa, valet service and much more.

One of the luxuries of a vacation is that you don’t have to be in a hurry and Bora Bora is the embodiment of relaxation. Nobody is driven by schedules here and you can enjoy a laid back vacation. You may want to relax on the beach for a day or so before you look at all the fun the island has to offer.

There’s plenty to do on the island, particularly if you’re the adventurous type! You can go on a shark and ray feeding expedition, snorkel near the pristine beaches, scuba dive and explore the fantastic underwater marine life. There is parasailing, water and jet skiing, marlin fishing and many beautiful bike paths.

For those who want to explore nature there are glass bottomed boat tours of the lagoons where you can see colorful coral and marine life without getting wet. You can hike the interior with or without a guide and see some of the most beautiful birds and flowers in the world.

You can take a bus or mini van tour of the island to see ancient maraes (sacred places) and pearl and vanilla farms. You may enjoy the Lagoonarium, a guided underwater tour where you’ll swim alongside turtles, sharks, dolphins and tropical fish. Snorkel through the Coral Garden and enjoy the curious, friendly and colorful fish that live among the coral rocks and see astounding clams and other sea life. Everyone enjoys the deep reef experience of the Bora Bora submarine where you’ll dive down to 100 feet and see sharks and other fish as well as marine plants and coral. Private dives are available with champagne to make it a truly memorable experience of a lifetime!

Most hotels have their own shopping areas but you’ll find many shops scattered all over the island. There are art galleries and studios, wonderful collections of local crafts and of course there are shops that sell black pearls gleaned from the ocean floor. Two of the newest stores are in the main village of Vaitape. La Galerie specializes in wood carvings, pottery and original art while Fashion Bora Bora sells resort wear, swimwear, sandals, bags and more.

A luxury vacation in Bora Bora will be one that you’ll always remember!

If you want to make the most of your European experience, then you better know the finest places to shop for the top fashion accessories and designer apparel. That is, if you have the budget and if you are willing to splurge on luxury fashion items. Or maybe you just want to learn more about the wonderful world of fashion through the eyes of Europe. Here are a few recommendations on spots in Europe to check out on your fashion shopping spree.

Paris, the capital of France, is given the moniker as the city of lights. However, besides being home to baguettes and the Louvre, Paris is also a fashion center. You can shop along rue Jacob, rue Bonaparte, and rue du Perche, and many more for some fine fashion finds from coats, bags, and dresses. The La Vallee Village is a place for more affordable shopping in Paris.

Belgium is also home to some world class fashion designers. In Antwerp, which is the capital of the nation, lies MoMu, the fashion museum. The museum showcases creations by the “Antwerp Six” which is composed of Dries van Noten, Dirk Can Saene, Walter Can Beirendonck, Ann Demeulemeester, Marina Yee, and Dirk Bikkembergs. The Antwerp Six is known for their avantgarde creations.

In London, you can’t miss famous names like Burberry, Paul Smith, Stella McCartney, and Paul Smith. Some of the hottest spots to shop in are Gucci, Manolo Blahnik, the Dover Street Market, and more.

]]> http://www.purevacation.com/fashion-tours-and-more-await-you-in-europe/feed 0 http://www.purevacation.com/luxury-vacations-helping-you-get-your-fix-of-glitz-and-glamour http://www.purevacation.com/luxury-vacations-helping-you-get-your-fix-of-glitz-and-glamour#comments Sat, 09 Feb 2008 20:06:45 +0000 Pure Vacation http://www.purevacation.com/luxury-vacations-helping-you-get-your-fix-of-glitz-and-glamour To many, the idea of a luxury vacation can provoke a mixture of awe and fear: after all, until recently, “luxury” was an idea that only the rich and famous were allowed to enjoy. However, as the travel industry explodes and more people are keen to take vacations to exotic and exciting destinations, the “luxury hotel break” has gained new meaning and revived momentum among travelers for the finer things in life. In fact, treating yourself to a luxury break is no longer considered an extravagance but rather a welcome antidote to backpacking – especially among older travelers who have spent one too many nights in grubby hostels with just the basic essentials, and who can now afford to splash out a bit when booking travel accommodation.

Many people comment on return from their travels that they may need a “vacation to recover from their vacation”. That’s because traveling, despite all its pleasures, can be a hairy business – what with communication issues (if you’re in a non-English speaking country), making sure your belongings are safe and trying to make the most of the time you have left to sightsee. Luxury hotels can really take the stressful edge off your vacation as you’ll have everything you need right on your doorstep. Laundry services and daily housekeeping will take care of the basics, while the opportunity to be served three-course meals in the comfort of your hotel suite means you won’t have to trawl the streets to look for somewhere to eat.

What’s more, luxury hotels are infamous for offering their guests a variety of ways with which to unwind. Most luxury hotels today come with their own spa for which outsiders have to pay, while guests often receive complimentary treatments. A soothing massage, for instance, could be the ideal way to relax after a hectic day’s activities.

What’s more, many luxury hotels are situated near or host their own first-class golf courses; so if you’re hoping to enjoy a peaceful golf vacation, staying at a luxury hotel could be your best possible choice if you want to play on the finest greens.

It’s true that luxury hotels can cost a lot of money, but enjoying the comforts of a luxury hotel break doesn’t have to follow suit. Planning to go backpacking in Europe for a few months this summer? Scrimp and save by staying in youth hostels during your trip so that at the end of your vacation, you’ll be able to afford a few nights at a sumptuous luxury hotel in a cosmopolitan city like London or Paris.

Alternatively, if you simply want to experience the tranquility that staying in a luxury hotel offers, you don’t have to travel far. Just book a weekend in a luxury hotel near you and indulge in the pure pleasure it will bestow.

By Elisha Burberry

Elisha Burberry is an online, freelance journalist and keen traveller and water sports enthusiast. Originally from Scotland, she now resides in London.