The Turkish Hotel's Pool

Guests will be able to dine 'au naturel' at beside the Turkish hotel's pool


British holidaymakers in Turkey are being invited to shed their inhibitions and their swimming costumes with the launch of the country’s first naturist hotel.

Visitors to the Adaburnu-Golmar hotel on the country's Aegean coast, set to open on May 1st, will be able to work on full-body tans in the resort grounds and will also be able to take advantage of the hotel’s private nudist beach, a short drive away.

Hotel guests will have to cover up indoors but can eat ‘au-naturel’ at the pool bar and outdoor dining terrace from 8am to 8pm.

The beach in front of the hotel, near the popular resorts of Marmaris and Bodrum, is a public area so off limits to nudists but the resort is offering guests the chance to sunbathe as nature intended on a private beach, located a 20-minute drive away.




The hotel's private naturist beach is located on the Aegean coast and will be open exclusively to foreigners


The private naturist beach will be open exclusively to foreigners and the hotel will spare any blushes by providing a free shuttle bus to and from the beach.

Facilities at the 600-metre beach include sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and a beach bar serving cocktails and food.

Nude sunbathers will, however, have to share their beach with the goats and chickens that belong to the hotel owners

Big-screen theme park Futuroscope lies in the Poitou

Big-screen theme park Futuroscope lies in the Poitou-Charentes region of western France and attracts 37 million visitors every year

The 'Travellers by Air and by Sea' attraction shows footage of killer whales on two screens; one in the eyeline and one beneath your feet.


Just two hours from Paris on the TGV or a direct flight into Poitiers with Ryanair means it's within easy reach too. There are a good handful of hotels within a ten-minute walk of the park or, if you want a serving of history to balance out the science on offer here, then medieval Poitiers has it in spades. And some nice shops to boot.

The last word goes to Luc Besson. Does he think he now has the best ride at Futuroscope? He's modest, but does eventually admit: "It will be very unfair to say that we're the best but I can say I've seen the attraction [that was there] before Arthur and I can honestly say that this one is much better."

Travel factsStandard class tickets from London to Poitiers start at £89 return with Rail Europe (0844 848 4070, www.raileurope.co.uk).

Entrance to Futuroscope costs €35 for adults and €26 for children aged 4-16 years (under fours go free). A two-day family break including entry to the park and two night's bed and breakfast in a local hotel costs from €93 per person for a family of four (€129 x 2 adults and €57 per child aged 5 to 16).

Big-screen theme park Futuroscope lies in the Poitou

Big-screen theme park Futuroscope lies in the Poitou-Charentes region of western France and attracts 37 million visitors every year

Big-screen theme park Futuroscope lies in the Poitou-Charentes region of western France and attracts 37 million visitors every year

Saccharine, hair-raising, stomach-flipping, exhausting...there are many words that can be grabbed at when thinking of ways to describe theme parks but 'stylish', in my experience at least, has never been one of them.

Yet, here I am, on a crisp winter's day watching an orange sun melt behind a skyline of gleaming geometric shapes. But then this particular theme park, Futuroscope, is French, which may go some way to explaining the sleek aesthetics.

Through anyone's eyes, it is a fascinating ensemble of architecture. There's a glass wedge of exhibition space topped with what looks like a giant cue ball; a mirrored jet-black theatre that rises from the earth like reflective Kryptonite and a cinema edged with thin black cylinders that look like giant liquorice sticks.

Futuroscope, near the small city of Poitiers in western France, is the country's second most popular theme park behind Disneyland Paris, yet is barely known on this side of the Channel.

Some 37 million visitors, most of them French, push through the turnstiles every year to immerse themselves in a park that manages to breathe life into science and nature with energetic, often interactive, attractions and a series of IMAX cinema screens.

A new crowd-puller is unveiled every two years and since 2007, almost half of the park has been rejuvenated. The hurdle of language can be easily jumped via a translation headset, available in English and Spanish.

The building currently with the sharpest glint is a 115-ft high 'hypercube' set in a north-eastern corner of the park. This new addition is Arthur, The 4D adventure, the fruit of a collaboration between Futuroscope and Luc Besson, one of France's most celebrated film directors and the man behind such blockbusters as The Fifth Element, The Big Blue and Léon.

The Most Beautiful Places On Earth

As a child growing up in the military, I had many opportunities to travel to some parts of the world I would normally not have seen. Two of the most interesting and unusual places I have lived are Hawaii and Iceland.

Even though I was fairly young in both places, I still remember them as clearly as if it were yesterday. Though just as exciting, life was radically different in Iceland than it was in Hawaii. Despite their obvious differences of topography and weather patterns, Hawaii and Iceland have one fundamental thing in common — they are two of the most beautiful places on earth.

Many people haven’t been either Hawaii or Iceland, but both names conjure up very distinct images. When a person hears “Hawaii,” he/she might think about sunsets on the beach with palm trees gently swaying in the warm evening breeze; or maybe about a traditional luau, complete with roasting pig, music from a slide guitar and ukulele, and hula dancers in full grass-skirt garb.

The World's Best Destination

National Geographic Traveler has devoted its sixth annual "Places Rated" Destination Stewardship survey to the world's most celebrated and iconic travel destinations and how well they have weathered the pressures of mass tourism and other threats.

Like the first Destination Rated survey in 2004, Norway's fjords region has again taken top honors, with a score of 85 points. Judges noted the gorgeous scenery and well-preserved rural life that are vigorously protected.

Others making the top "Best Rated Places" category range from Japan's ancient Kyoto (#4, 79 points) for honoring the "serenity and charm of ancient Japan" to Slovenia, formerly part of communist Yugoslavia, tied at 5 (78 points) for being among the most sustainable and authentic places to visit in Europe. The United Kingdom is the country with the most winners in this year's top category: England's Yorkshire Dales, Scotland's Highlands, and Wales.

Sydney Tourist Attractions

Sydney is one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations. It is located in the south east coast of Australia. World heritage areas, wine regions and a lush hinterland with its various attractions surround it. That’s why millions of travelers from around the world visits Sydney every year. Planning a Sydney trip? Know what you gonna find there.

Sydney is the epitome of all tourist destinations in the world with countless, spectacular attractions. A vacation in Sydney can never lack a visit to the beach. Sydney has no shortage of beaches. It is home to world’s most spectacular beaches.

There are beautiful Pacific Ocean beaches. Beaches like Cronolla Beach, Balmoral Beach and such like will offer spectacular glimpses of the golden sunrise and the sunset. In addition to these, beaches are venues to world famous water sports such as sailing, diving, wind surfing and cruising.

Top 10 Strange, But Fun, Places to Visit in Texas 86

Being a born and raised Texan, I'm filled with admiration and pride in all things "Texas". I love sharing historical things about Texas that most people haven't been exposed to, such as my hub on the Crash at Crush or perhaps the story about the Texas wrestling family, the Von Erichs.

I've always been fascinated with the out-of-ordinary sights around Texas and take a lot of pride in pointing them out to people who travel
with me. I have put together what I consider a pretty good collection of odd places to visit in Texas. They are in no particular order. I hope you enjoy them. Some of I've been to, and some are still on my "to do" list.

The Orange Show-Houston, Texas

The late Jefferson "Jeff" Davis McKissack single handedly created the Orange Show from 1956 to 1979. It is a 3000 square foot folk-art architectural maze-like masterpiece in Houston's east end. It is constructed of brick, steel and concrete, along with a variety of wagon wheels, tractor seats, statuettes and mannequins. The park includes a wishing well, a pond, an oasis, a stage, a museum, a gift shop, and several upper decks.

He created his Orange Show to demonstrate the virtues of his favorite fruit and to promote his theories relating health and longevity to good nutrition, hard work and eating oranges.

Sardinia is dotted with lovely beaches and elegant coastal towns

Simply superb: Sardinia is dotted with lovely beaches and elegant coastal towns

The Aga Khan carved out an exclusive enclave here in the 1960s. And the Costa Smerelda in northern Sardinia has lost none of its allure.

The 34 miles of Mediterranean coastline and sparklingly clear waters attract the boating fraternity. Glossy visitors include Princess Caroline of Monaco, who moors her boat in the marina, Enrique Iglesias, who turns golden on the sandy beaches and Roman Abramovich who is also a big fan.

There are more than 80 bays, rocky coves and white sandy beaches. The season runs from May to September, but the six weeks from mid-July to August are when Costa Smeralda epitomises la dolce vita.

Man-made Porto Cervo, the harbour town and tourist Mecca, is styled after a traditional fishing village. Low buildings built in granite and limestone sparkle in shades of pink, yellow and cream.

All the boutiques sport designer names - Gucci, Armani, Prada. even canine fashionistas are catered for. My Yorkshire terrier Trixie will be the very smartest dog back home in the pink-and-blue polka dot number I bought her.

But, if you're out of pocket, people-watching is the next best thing. Especially from a pavement cafe serving some of the best ice-cream in the world.

A calendar of events draws visitors to the area. The Rally of Sardinia, from July 4-6, is electric. Yachts are festooned with banners. Crowds party. The sound of laughter and popping corks fills the air.

My hotel, the Cala de Volpe, is on the coast outside town and my room overlooking the sea is one below the presidential suite which, at £1,800 a night, is one of the most expensive places in the world to lay your head.

In the hazy distance, from my balcony view, is Tavolara island, a natural marine reserve. Singer-songwriter Peter Gabriel lives nearby.

As dusk falls the air is perfumed by the heady scent of bougainvillea. A party is underway on the lawn. Flavio Briatore, manager of the Renault Formula 1 team, struts through the foyer. He owns the exclusive nightspot, the Billionaire club, which is open for only 40 days in high season. The concierge whispers that he could get me a table anywhere.

Near to the hotel is the 18-hole Pevero golf course, considered one of the most challenging in Italy. This is down to the unpredictable winds that often swirl around the 18-hole, par 72 lay-out.

From starry to simple pleasures, after two nights on the town I head to an 'agritourism' property, a 40-minute drive inland. The road twists and turns with hardly a car to be seen. everywhere is green and most of it uncultivated.

Tenuta Pilastru, in the heart of Gallura, sits in unspoilt countryside. The farmhouse and out buildings-have been converted into a hotel. The contrast with Cala de Volpe couldn't be greater.

Dangerous Waterfall... In Massachusetts?

This little article caught my attention when they mentioned a particular waterfall called Bash Bish Falls in Massachusetts was considered one of the most dangerous tourist attractions in the world.

I thought this was strange considering the falls is only 60ft and it sits in a state not exactly known for waterfalls.

I guess it goes to show you that sometimes you can't underestimate the dangers of Nature.

Attractions in Asia (2067)

Kandy is a City that has to offer the most to a visitor to our beautiful Island. It is still the cultural and arts and crafts center of Sri Lanka. While in Kandy, one can visit the Temple of the Tooth, the Botanical gardens of Peradeniya, Kandyan Dance Program, Kandy Lake, Gem Museum, Batik Factory, Wood Carving Center, The Kandy Market. A visit to the Mahaweli Riverside may gain one a view of the Elephants being bathed. One of the best times to visit Kandy, and specially the Botanical gardens is in the Months of April and May, when almost all the flowering trees are in full bloom. The highlight of Kandy is the Esala pageant, the Esala perahera, held each year over 10 days of pomp and pageantry, with the hundreds of dancers, musicians, flag bearers, nilames, flame twirlers and also the richly decorated Elephants numbering close to a hundred.

Beautiful Places of Word

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. The political, cultural, commercial, industrial, and transportation center of Hungary, it became a single city after the unification of Buda and Pest, situated on right and left bank of Danube River, respectively. One of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest is home to a large number of tourist attractions. The city houses the largest synagogue of Europe (Dohány Street Synagogue), largest medicinal bath of Europe (Széchenyi Medicinal Bath) and the third largest Parliament building in the world. Read on to know more about the places to see and things to do in Budapest.

Monuments

Vajdahunyad Castle, situated on the Széchenyi Island, is a group of copies of parts of the famous historic buildings of Hungary. Budapest is also home to Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe. It was designed by Ludwig Förster and its construction lasted from 1854 to 1859. Then, there is Eclectic Parliament Building; situated along the Danube Bank, spreading over an area of 17,000 sq m. Buda Castle is a World Heritage Site, which comprises of the Royal Palace within its boundaries. Citadel and Chain Bridge, the 2nd permanent bridge to be built over Danube, are the other most visited sights.

Churches

The largest church in Budapest, Saint Stephen’s Basilica was built as per Classical style, between 1851 and 1905. It houses the mummified right hand of King Saint Stephen, the first monarch of Hungary. Matthias Church is another magnificent church in the city, which was built in phases. Its early parts date back to somewhere between the 13th and 15th centuries. Cave Chapel of Budapest is a unique grotto chapel, situated on Gellert Hill, overlooking Liberty Bridge. Then, there is Esztergom Basilica, the third largest church in Europe and the biggest basilica (church) of Central Europe, situated near Budapest.

Museums

If you wish to explore the rich culture of Budapest, museums are where you should go. National Gallery houses a rich collection of paintings and sculptures, with a few of them dating back to the early 16th century. If history is what intrigues you, Hungarian National Museum, exhibiting archaeological, historical, numismatic and fine art objects, is the best bet. While Museum of Fine Arts is another place to view art objects, Palace of Miracles’ Exhibition is an interactive scientific exhibition and education centre. Railway Museum, Aquincum Museum and Ruin Park and House of Terror Museum are other museums worth visiting.

Thermal Baths

Budapest boasts of being home to a number of natural springs of thermal waters. These springs are believed to have medicinal properties and supply water to thermal baths of the city. One of the most popular thermal baths of Budapest is Gellért Bath, which dates back to as far back as the 13th century. Then, there is Király Bath, built in 1565, providing you a glimpse of the Ottoman bathing culture. Lukács Bath is a relatively modern bath, with roots going back to the Turkish period. Széchenyi Bath is one of the biggest bathing complexes in Europe and was discovered around 1879.

Islands

Danube River, which separates the towns of Buda and Pest, is home to as many as seven islands. Margit-sziget lies between Margaret Bridge (south) and Árpád Bridge (north) and houses dance clubs, swimming pools, an Aqua park, athletic and fitness centers and bicycle and running tracks. While Csepel-sziget is the largest island on Danube, Hajógyári-sziget is an artificial island. The latter plays host to activities like wake-boarding and jet-skiing, along with dance clubs and the Sziget Festival. Palotai-sziget, Népsziget, Háros-sziget and Molnár-sziget are the other four islands on the river.

Entertainment

When it comes to entertainment, you will find no dearth of options in Budapest. Hungarian State Opera House is not only known for its exquisite architecture, but also for the annual Opera Ball that takes place here. The Vigado of Pest is another venue known for entertainment. It hosts interesting events and also has a gallery and a concert and theatre hall. Downtown Budapest is the place where you will find theaters, cinemas, bars, clubs, dance halls and discotheques. Gerbeaud Café, the Százéves, Biarritz, Fortuna, Alabárdos, Arany Szarvas, Kárpátia and Mátyás Pince Restaurants are the best places for dining.

Shopping

When you come to Budapest, be sure that you will not go back empty handed. The numerous shopping malls in the city promise to cater to your each and every requirement. West End City Center houses around 400 shops and, being close to Nyugati Train Station, is easily accessible. Árkád is the place where you will find fashion stores, designer shops, drugstores, bookshops and supermarkets. Pólus Center is the second largest shopping mall in Budapest and houses restaurants, pubs, cafés and a multiplex. Mammut, Mammut II, MOM Park, Duna Plaza, Campona, Lurdy Ház and Eurocenter Óbuda are some other malls in the city.

Jim Corbett National Park India

Jim Corbett National Park India had the proud distinction of being chosen as the venue for the inauguration of Project Tiger in India; earlier part of Uttar Pradesh now comes under Uttaranchal, the newly found state. Jim Corbett National Park India is home to a variety of flora and fauna, Corbett park is famous for its wild population of Tigers, Leopards and Elephants. Corbett Tiger Reserve has a great variety of fauna on account of habitat diversity. In the Jim Corbett National Park are found 110 tree species, 50 mammals' species, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species.