Top 15 Wonders of Dubai

Dubai is the synonym of business and luxury that became a paradise for tourists. Known as the city of superlatives and the unexpected, it has transformed its skyline with creative and inspired architecture. Home to some of the most amazing futuristic mega projects in the world, Dubai has the world’s tallest building, the tallest hotel, the largest shopping mall, the iconic Palm and World Islands, and also features a blooming garden and a ski resort in the middle of the desert. So let’s marvel us with the wonders of Dubai.


1 .Burj al Arab


Burj Al Arab is the only “7-star” hotel in the world, featuring a Skyview Bar, an underwater restaurant and an outdoor tennis court. It is also one of the most iconic symbols of Dubai and one of the most photographed monuments in the world. Designed to resemble the sail of an Arabian dhow ship, the building rises out of the Persian Gulf, reaching out a height of 321 meters. At night, it is illuminated by choreographed color sculptures of water and fire.

2 . The Palm Islands


The Palm Islands are the largest artificial islands in the world and one of the most ambitious developments on earth. Their unique palm-tree shapes help to add 520 kilometers to Dubai’s coastline. These amazing man-made islands are considered the eighth wonder of the world. The Palm Trilogy, which comprises the Palm Jebel Ali, the Palm Deira and the Palm Jumeirah, houses luxury hotels, exclusive beachside homes, water theme parks, marinas, as well as leisure and entertainment centers.

3.  Burj Khalifa


Stretching to 828 meters, Burj Khalifa is recognized as the tallest building and manmade structure in the world. The tower also contains the world’s highest mosque on the 158th floor (of 160), the world’s highest swimming pool, on the 76th floor, and the world’s highest viewing platform, on the 124th floor. The pyramid-shaped skyscraper houses fine 900 residences, office suites, as well as the prestigious Armani Hotel.

4 .Dubai Marina



Dubai Marina is the largest man-made marina in the world. It is an artificial canal city, where the waters of the Persian Gulf were brought into the 3 km site. Its waterfront provides shelter for hundreds of yachts, and also includes a 7 km long pedestrian walkway, with a string of outdoor cafés, bars and restaurants. The marina was developed to create a large public space capable to accommodate a population of 120,000 in its residential towers and villas on a pedestrian friendly urban community.

5 .  Infinity Tower


Infinity Tower is the world’s tallest high-rise building with a twist of 90˚. The unique, almost completed, skyscraper spirals by an amazing 90 degrees from its base to its crown, 305 meters (1,000 feet) above the ground. The 80-storey high residential tower has dynamic waterfront views, which depend of its elevation. Amazingly, there is not a single structural pillar anywhere inside the building.

6 . Dubai Mall


Dubai Mall is the largest shopping center in the world by area. Its 1,200 retail outlets, department stores, over 160 food and beverage outlets, and huge entertainment zone, attract more than 750,000 visitors every week. The mall has also a 250-room luxury hotel, and even a large aquarium in it, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, with the world’s largest viewing panel. Outside the mall, there’s the incredible Dubai Fountain with its dancing waters.

7 .  Jumeirah Beach Hotel


With its striking wave-like design, the five-star Jumeirah Beach Hotel is one of the architectural wonders that graces Dubai’s skyline. Standing 93 meters high and 275 meters long, the 26-storey building is curved both in plan and on elevation, representing a stunning breaking wave. It offers 20 restaurants and bars, its own private beach, and unlimited access to the famous Wild Wadi Water Park. The hotel is adjacent to the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab and this combination mimics a sail navigating against a wave.

8 . Dubai Fountain


Dubai Fountain is the largest dancing fountain in the world. It is illuminated by 6,600 lights and 25 color projectors that create a visual spectrum of over 1,000 abstract attractions. Its beam of light can be seen from over 20 miles away, and is visible from space, making it the brightest spot in the Middle East. This amazing 275 meters-long (900 ft.) fountain can spray 83,000 liters (22,000 gallons) of water and shoots water jets as high as 152 m (500 ft.) into the air in sync with classical, Arabic and world music.

9 . Atlantis The Palm Hotel & Resort


The extravagant Atlantis The Palm Hotel houses 2 underwater suites that provide views from floor-to-ceiling windows into a lagoon filled with 65,000 marine creatures, including sharks. Major attractions include the Aquaventure Waterpark, where riders experience near-vertical drop down before being catapulted through a shark-filled lagoon – the Lost Chambers, a labyrinth of underwater tunnels filled with marine life and modeled on the architecture of Atlantis – the sizable Ambassador Lagoon, which is filled with 65,000 marine animals – and the Dolphin Bay, in which guests can swim and interact with dolphins. With more than 1,500 guest rooms, the complex also features a 1.4 km pristine white beach, world-class cuisine and luxury boutiques.

10. Ski Dubai


Ski Dubai is a 22,500-square-meter indoor ski resort (equivalent to 3 football fields) that offers the incredible opportunity to enjoy real snow in the desert all year round. Located inside the Mall of the Emirates, it features an 85-meter-high indoor mountain with 5 runs that vary in difficulty, height and gradient, including a 400-meter-long run with a fall of over 60 meters and the world’s first indoor black run. It also has a 3,000-square-meter Snow Park play area: the largest indoor snow park in the world.

11. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo



Located at the center of the enormous Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium is the largest suspended aquarium in the world. This wonder provides unique views of 33,000 submarine animals behind the world’s largest acrylic viewing panel and the 48-metre long aquarium walk-through tunnel. It also offers a range of unprecedented leisure experiences such as glass-bottom boat rides, shark dives and cage snorkeling.

12. Princess Tower

The Princess Tower is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest residential building since 2012. Towering over Dubai Marina skyline at 414 meters (1,355 ft.), the 101-storey skyscraper houses 763 luxury apartments, one of the most expensive properties in the city, as well as eight retail stores.

13 . The World Islands


The World or W area that covers 6 by 9 kilometers (3.7 by 5.6 mi) and is surrounded by an oval-shaped breakwater island. Each island is for sale and ready for development. Its Earth’s shape is visible only by satellite or from the top of the world’s tallest building, the Burg Khalifa.
orld Islands is a collection of 300 manmade islands constructed in the shape of a world map, situated 4 kilometers (2.5 mi) off the coast of Dubai. Created from tons of sand rock, the entire development is an
14.  JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Hotel

The luxurious JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Hotel is the tallest hotel in the world. The 72-storey, 355 meter (1,165 ft.) skyscraper complex spreads across two iconic towers and features 14 food and beverage outlets, rooftop bars, a business center, a 3,700 m2 (40,000 sq. ft.) spa and health club, as well as retail outlets, a swimming pool, and a gymnasium

15.  Dubai Miracle Garden












Is it a miracle or a mirage? Incredibly developed in the middle of the desert, Dubai Miracle Garden is the largest natural flower garden in the world. The 72,000-square-meter colorful garden has more than 45 million flowers fashioned into the shapes of hearts, stars, igloos, pyramids, flower-decked vintage cars, arc-shaped walkways and so on, which will change each season. It has entered the Guinness Book of Records with the world’s biggest flower clock, and also hopes to be recognized as having the longest wall of flowers and the largest pyramid of flowers.

TOP 10 MOST ROMANTIC PLACES IN THE WORLD

Romance is in the air and the world is filled with stunning destinations for the perfect romantic getaway. Are you planning to escape for Valentine’s Day? If you are, we have a few suggestions for you. At eDreams, we’ve ranked the top 10 most romantic places in the world by their level of romance on a scale of 1-5, 5 being the most romantic.

1. Bali

Book at least a night in the Ubud Hanging Gardens Hotel and try to get the Panoramic Deluxe Pool Villa. The view will leave you speechless.


 You only need to see a few photos from the place to see what we mean. You’ll have the feeling you and your partner are the only two people left in the world.

2. Easter Island

 Witness the brilliance of a sunset close to the solitary Moai of Hanga Roa.


 Sunsets are always romantic. Just think about how incredible they could be with views of the Pacific Ocean. Easter Island’s statues also add a bit of charm and are worth seeing close up.

3. Ushuaia, Argentina



Go to the end of the world, literally, with your loved one. Visit the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and gain amazing perspective.

Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world, hence the term end of the world. For the romantic duo, however, this could also be the beginning of everything you and your partner want to become as a couple. If that doesn’t make this destination the second most romantic place in the world, we are not sure what will!


4. Bangkok, Thailand

Explore temples, cruise through Bangkok on a tuk-tuk, take in the present local culture at the street markets, and experience the stunning view of the many skyscrapers that adorn this destination.


 The exotic city that never sleeps and never ceases to fascinate will keep you busy trying local flavors at the street markets and fantastic restaurants. At the end of the day, you and your sweetie can have a relaxing Thai massage, only to get you both ready for a romantic cruise on the Chao Phraya river.






5. New York City


New York can be all about romance and it starts with a stroll in Central Park. What could be more romantic than that? Your partner will swoon on a carriage ride, or rowing around the lake in a small boat, or simply crossing one of the many famous bridges in the park. All of these iconic locations have witnessed many marriage proposals and we are sure you’ll feel the love in this city.

You will be surrounded by open fields full of flowers, trees, and unique landscapes where any place is the perfect place to set your heart aflutter .




6. Paris, France


Make a walk and feel the city pulsate, indulge in the sweetness found in Paris’ stunning patisseries and breathe in the bohemian air of the neighbourhoods.








7. Las Vegas


Witness the beauty of the Bellagio Fountains, enjoy the night life and snuggle close as you play roulette in the bustling casinos.

This city allows the ultimate spontaneous gestures. Heck, you can even get married right away!



8. Kilimanjaro


Explore Mount Kilimanjaro and be in awe of the elephant herds on a snow white background and nature.

You’ll be on the highest peak in Africa, where the world can witness how much you and your baby love each other



9. Venice, Italy

Walk over the more than 350 bridges in the city and admire the reflection of the elegant buildings in the water of the canals. Enjoy the opulence of Saint Peter’s Basilica or head to the colorful island of Burano. If there is any time left, why not follow in the footsteps of Casanova and explore the sites of his amorous adventures?

A floating city with gondolas and canals is only just the epitome of romance! In fact, it is almost as if this city were suspended between dreams and reality. Venice is a must-visit becasue it is timeless, sort of the way love is. The beauty of this city is bound to seduce you and your partner.


10. Honolulu, Hawaii











Share a smooch or a big hug on one of the benches of the Foster Botanical Gardens, then join a beach party and relax.The beaches are incredible and the beautiful sky will reflect in your loved one’s eyes.

Skyscraper City: The Ten Architectural Highlights Of Singapore

Singapore is an economic powerhouse which was built upon migration, with people from all over Asia travelling to this port town and adding their cultural traditions to the eclectic mixture. This variety is reflected in the architecture of the city, as it is its economic prosperity which has allowed cutting edge architects to create an ultramodern cityscape.

The architecture of Singapore reflects the diversity of its history and the influence of a great many different cultures on the city, which resulted in a unique mixture of pre-war architectural styles: traditional Malay houses, the temples of Chinese immigrants, and classical colonial architecture. After World War II and as Singapore began to emerge as a major international centre, its architecture too began to be shaped by international trends such as brutalism and postmodernism. Now, with the Singaporean government investing in a number of striking and iconic building projects to attract foreign tourists and strengthen Singapore’s position on the global stage, we choose ten of the city-state’s architectural highlights.

Supreme Court of Singapore




Famous for such buildings as the City Hall and the HSBC Tower in London, British architectural firm Foster and Partners’ new building for the Supreme Court of Singapore opened in 2005. It sits right beside the old building, mirroring the classical dome of its neighbour with its circular, flying saucer-like ninth level that houses the Court of Appeal. Clad in translucent marble and making extensive use of glass and open space, the interior of the building is light and airy to reflect the importance of transparency in justice.

Bras Basah MRT Station




Designed by the Singapore-based architectural firm WOHA after they won an international, anonymous competition, Bras Basah Mass Rapid Transit Station’s design is centred around an elegant solution to a difficult problem: how to build an efficient public transit station that is pleasant to use but that doesn’t obscure the colonial-era buildings of Singapore’s Civic District. The answer lies in the station’s huge water-filled skylight, allowing natural light to filter down thirty-five metres into the depths of the station while, on the surface, appearing as a reflecting pool on the forecourt of the Singapore Art Museum.



Helix Bridge



Linking Marina Centre with the new resort developments in Marina South, the Helix Bridge flows seamlessly into the shoreline on either side of the bay. Its arc shape means it can join at its apex with the vehicular Bayfront Bridge to its west, while keeping pedestrians away from the traffic along the rest of its length. Its most striking feature, however, is its unique, world-first double helix structure, spiraling around the walkway for its entire length with a glass and steel canopy in integrated panels to provide shade from Singapore’s tropical sun. It was created jointly by the architects Cox Group and Architects 61 and the engineers Arup, all of whom were honored at the World Architecture Festival 2010, where the Helix Bridge won the Best Transport Building category.

Cooled Conservatories at Gardens by the Bay


Gardens by the Bay is the centerpiece of the Singaporean government’s plan to transform Singapore into a ‘City in a Garden’: a 101-hectare park in the centre of the city for outdoor recreational activities. Standing out from the Gardens on the shoreline are the two humpbacked Cooled Conservatories, the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest, which together won the World Building of the Year award in 2012. These two massive, off-kilter greenhouses have no interior columns or supports, making the shallow slope of Flower Dome the largest unsupported glass roof in the world. They are also designed to be highly energy efficient, and the horticultural displays within each conservatory inform visitors about the adverse effects of climate change on the planet’s biodiversity.

OCBC Centre




The big, brutalist, concrete calculator of the OCBC Centre stands out as something heavy and dense amidst much of the translucent modern architecture of Singapore – and amidst the rest of its architect IM Pei’s designs. Its curved edges come from the building’s two semi-circular, reinforced, concrete cores, linked by three steel girders to facilitate speedy construction. Solid and functional, the OCBC Centre is a classic of the Seventies brutalism movement.











Marina Bay Sands


Designed by Moshe Safdie, the eight billion dollar Marina Bay Sands casino resort is a huge and highly distinctive addition to Singapore’s skyline: three slanting 55-storey hotel towers topped by the SkyPark, a 340-meter long outdoor terrace featuring nightclubs, restaurants, parks, and the world’s longest infinity pool. The SkyPark also features an observation platform set 67 meters out on the cantilever overhanging the north tower. In addition to the towers and park, the resort features the ArtScience Museum, designed by Safdie in the shape of a lotus flower. Its unique shape channels rainwater into a reflecting pool at the building’s lowest level.


Thian Hock Keng Temple



The Thian Hock Keng Temple is a Hokkien temple constructed in 1839 by recent Chinese immigrants to Singapore, and dedicated to Mazu, the Taoist goddess of the sea. Built in the traditional architectural style of southern Chinese temples, and constructed without using any nails, the fabric of the temple itself tells of the immigrants’ crossing from China: much of the stone, timber, columns and tiles had previously served as ballast for Chinese junks, and the mosaics were made from broken pieces of pottery and cutlery.



Esplanade – Theaters on the Bay



Esplanade – Theaters on the Bay is Singapore’s premier performing arts space, consisting of a concert hall and theater as well as a library, outdoor performing spaces, and a shopping mall. The design for the centre caused great controversy when it was first unveiled to the public in 1994 due to two humped, glass domes over the theaters, which prompted concerns that the domes would act as a giant greenhouse to magnify Singapore’s hot and sunny climate. However, when the centre opened in 2002 the problem had been solved by a cladding of scale-like aluminum sunshades, making Esplanade resemble the eyes of a fly or a durian fruit.


Pearl Bank Apartments



When it was built in 1976, the Pearl Bank apartment block was the tallest and highest-density residential building in Singapore, housing 1500 people over its 38 floors. Its architect, the Singaporean Tang Cheng Siong, conceived its unique horseshoe shape to minimize exposure to the sun, but still allow the building’s inhabitants to see the view from the top of Pearl’s Hill. Comprising innovative residential design features such as split-level apartments and integrated amenities – swimming pools and the 28th floor ‘Sky Park’ communal area – Pearl Bank set a precedent that went on to inform many of the high-density housing projects throughout Southeast Asia.







Bishan Community Library



With its cantilevered colored glass ‘reading pods’ protruding from its exterior facade, Bishan Community Library provides individual and intimate study spaces while still maintaining an open, naturally-lit interior atrium. Similar pods overhang the interior, giving the library a distinctive and striking look inside and out. The Singaporean architectural firm LOOK Architects won a number of awards for its design of the library, including the Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award in 2009.

Why Bali Island is special?

Bali, sometimes referred to as the Island of the Gods, is a relatively small island in the middle of Indonesia, an archipelago of about 13,000 islands south of the Philippines and north of Australia. For anyone who hasn’t been there they may wonder, why do so many people like it as a travel destination and what makes it so special? To be honest I usually prefer to travel to places that aren’t as heavily visited as Bali – 2011 may see a record 2.5 million tourists there. But to me Bali is one of those exceptions to my general rule of avoiding ‘popular’ travel destinations. It’s such a unique place in the world that I still really love it despite the fact that it is famous and fashionable, attributes that typically turn me off. Here are the Top 5 things that keep me coming back for more.

1. Gorgeous Outdoors


Beautiful beaches are a must for any tropical island destination, and Bali delivers with many of them. Even crazy Kuta beach, by far the most visited beach on the island, is a sight to behold with its long, curved stretch of sand and surf that swimmers and surfers alike can enjoy. And the sunsets there are phenomenal. On the interior of the island there are rice field views that are simply breathtaking, and the volcanoes likewise easily make for National Geographic-like photos. The colorful fish in the ocean and the colorful birds in the air help round out the natural eye candy of the island.

2. Delicious Food




Kind of like Thailand, Bali has great soil and plenty of rain to grow lots of quality food, and its culinary history, again like Thailand, has been significantly influenced by outside, seafaring cultures. Because of this you’ll find South Indian, Malaysian and Chinese flavors mixed in with the more traditional Indonesian foods you find in the rest of the country. And because of the growing influence of tourism over the last several decades you can also easily find high quality Indian, Moroccan, Thai, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, French and fusion cuisines.

3. Unique Culture


Although all of Indonesia is rich in culture, Bali’s is quite unique. At one time the entire country was mostly Hindu and Buddhist, but now only Bali is predominantly Hindu, albeit with animist influences which makes it quite different from Hinduism in India. And pretty much every day you will observe small but artistically designed offerings of items such as rice, flowers, fruits and incense being made to the gods, ancestors, spirits and demons that live on the island. The Balinese are also extremely ritualistic as they have ceremonies for just about every stage in a person’s life, including an extremely elaborate cremation ceremony that is usually the biggest and most spectacular event of all.

4. Wonderful Spas


Massages and body scrubs are a big part of Balinese culture for both men and women, and the Balinese seem to have the perfect disposition to help make your spa experience one of the best you’ve ever had. I’ve never been to a place that has so many spas of all shapes and sizes, and for what you get the prices can be pretty remarkable. Getting a two hour or even a full day set of treatments in a beautiful tropical setting is a must do for just about anyone who visits this Island of the Gods.

5. Extremely Kind People




This last thing may be the most important part of what makes Bali so special. In most places in the world that receive such high numbers of tourists you often meet locals who are quite jaded by the mass influx of outsiders. Oftentimes they are just plain rude to their guests, even though those guests bring in a lot of money to the local economy. Paris anyone? But the Balinese more often than not are some of the most pleasant and cheery people you will meet on the planet. They like to have fun, and you can sense their overall joy even as they perform the more mundane tasks in life. Perhaps it’s their overall ability to live well in the moment that rubs off on their visitors and keeps them coming back by the millions year after year.

Great Tower Street in London

Great Tower Street is a street in the City of London, the historic nucleus and modern financial centre of London. It forms an eastern continuation of Eastcheap starting at Idol Lane, and leads towards Byward Street and Tower Hill. On Byward Street, opposite Great Tower Street, is the historic church All Hallows-by-the-Tower.

A public house called the Czar's Head used to stand at No. 48, so named because Peter the Great used to drink there when he was learning shipbuilding at Deptford. Somewhere on Tower Street in 1688, Edward Lloyd opened Lloyd's Coffee House, where the insurance market Lloyd's of London originated. In 1691, Lloyd relocated his shop to nearby Lombard Street; today Lloyd's is based on Lime Street.


Prior to boundary changes in 2003, Great Tower Street formed the centre of the City ward of Tower. Today it lies mostly in Billingsgate ward, but a short portion of the easternmost end of the street is still within Tower ward.

Great Tower Street is home to a number of restaurants and offices, including the southern entrance to the London Underwriting Centre at the corner with Mincing Lane, and Plantation Place South.

It formed part of the marathon course of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The women's Olympic marathon took place on 5 August and the men's on 12 August. The Paralympic marathons were held on 9 September.

The nearest London Underground stations are Monument and Tower Hill and the closest mainline railway station is Fenchurch Street.

Top 10 Most Beautiful Buildings In Australia

The Glasshouse, Port Macquarie's darling entertainment venue has won the Blacket Prize for the best building in regional NSW, adding to its impressive awards showcase which includes the Newcastle Master Builders Association Excellence in Building and Construction Awards and Local Government 2010 Cultural Award for Aboriginal Cultural Development for the Black & White: Selections From the Thomas Dick Collection.

"Efficient planning allows the building to accommodate a range of uses and users; important for a regional facility where operational costs are a key factor in the long-term viability," the jury said of the space. The theatre uses richly patterned and shaped adjustable timber panels to create an intimate space with excellent acoustics and sightlines while he art gallery spaces are elegantly proportioned and complemented by a range of function rooms and support facilities. "Archeological remnants of the town’s beginnings are made visible and interpreted across the building’s ground floor paving and revealed in the subterranean display… the architects are commended for their tenacity meeting many technical, political and financial challenges with ingenuity and exceptional skill," they added.

Conceived by the architects of Tonkin, Zulaikha Green, the Glasshouse has hosted a slew of successful local performances in the two years since its opening, including the recent ABBA Mania Australian tour and the comical hi-jinx of Arj Barker. The Glasshouse also features the Port Macquarie Regional Gallery which has housed a number of notable exhibits including the award winning Black & White: Selections From the Thomas Dick Collection.

Most Beautiful Buildings in Australia

Does the Glasshouse measure up to some of the most impressive architectural achievements in Australia? You decide - here are some of the most notable:

Berry Sport and Recreation Centre - Berry, NSW

Taking home the top prize in Sport category at this year’s World Architecture Festival (WAF) Awards in Barcelona is the Sport and Recreation Centre in Berry, NSW. With accommodation for up to 150 guests, outdoor heated swimming pool, lit tennis courts, ropes course, climbing wall and a suite of other outdoor and indoor recreational activities - this is definitely not the neighbourhood gym.

Horizon Apartments - Sydney NSW

Conceived by internationally renowned architect Harry Seidler, this residential high rise building in Darlinghurst boasts some of the best harbour views in the city. With 260 luxury style apartments on offer, The Horizon has become some of the hottest property in Sydney's booming real estate market.

Letterbox House - Blairgowrie, Vic

Designed by McBride Charles Ryan, the Letterbox House stands apart amongst the run of the mill beach houses in the area. This was designed to be a "family home" (although I'm sure most family memories wouldn't recall something this exquisite), its openness is a new take on the traditional Aussie veranda and its stand out style has earned it a place in the Australian Institute of Architects Victorian Chapter Annual Awards.

Melbourne Recital Centre - Melbourne, Vic

This is the home of the classics - the Melbourne Recital Centre is the city's second largest hall for classical music and it's certainly a difficult one to miss. Designed by Ashton Raggatt McDougall, the Melbourne Recital Centre is a part of the Melbourne Recital Centre and MTC Theatre complex with two auditoriums for show stopping performances including the likes of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and David Hobson.

Monaco House - Melbourne, Vic

Another creation of McBride Charles Ryan (we're noticing a pattern here), the Monaco House is certainly a spectacle of the Melbourne CBD. Serving as the Honorary Consul of Monaco, the building's unique front has earned it its spot in the top tier of the architectural elite, taking home awards such as the Victorian State of Design Award and Australian Institute of Architects National Annual Awards.

National Portrait Gallery - Canberra, ACT

While the crowds gathered at the National Gallery of Australia to get a rare glimpse of the Masterpieces from France, many waiting on the queues took a moment to marvel at the architectural splendour of the building next door. The National Portrait Gallery is the most significant building to be completed in the Parliamentary Precinct since the completion of the New Parliament House in 1988. Opened in December 2008, the National Portrait Gallery was part of the Australian Institute of Architects 2009 National Architecture Awards commended for the design of its interior space as well as being a phenomenal example of public architecture.

The Sydney Opera House - Sydney, NSW

The Sydney Opera House has achieved legendary iconic status, up there with the likes of the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and Big Ben as one of them most recognisable buildings in the world. The Opera House was conceived by one Jørn Utzon and its 16 year saga of construction is one for the record books, resulting in Utzon leaving the project, never to return to see his final creation. Amongst its many other awards and achievement, the Sydney Opera House was officially granted its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007.

Rundle Lantern - Adelaide, SA

 This 748 panel LED lighting display wrapping around the façade of the U-Park building of Adelaide's once humble Rundle St was the culmination of a project to turn the area in to a Times Square type meeting area with neon signage and billboards. Standing at the nine stories high, Rundle Lantern is fast becoming the centre of 

Top 4 Most Romantic Honeymoon Destinations in India

So you’ve spent an insane number of sleepless nights planning out your wedding and every small detail, your dress, the invitees, photographer… (the list doesn’t look like it’s ending soon!) In between this rush, the elation of starting a new life, planning for your honeymoon might have slipped through the cracks. How you wish a wedding planner could appear out of thin air to book the best destination and hotels. After  all, this part of your journey needs to be perfect too, right?.

Fret not!  We’ve handpicked these top 5 Indian honeymoon destinations for your ultimate romantic hiatus. Escape to one of these picturesque destinations and make memories that you’ll cherish forever.

Goa:

Honeymoon Style: Fun/Party

Goa needs no introduction. Balmy shores, glorious Portuguese architecture, fiery glasses of feni, eclectic nightlife and some delectable spice-laden vindaloo. That’s Goa for you. A coastal retreat with a shimmering sun in the backdrop, Goa has more than enough to make you fall in love over and over again.

Romantic Things to Do:

Soak in the splendid views of the sunset from Fort Chapora with your beloved
Grab some beers, walk hand-in-hand on the white sand and laze around in a shack
Dance the night away in LPK (Love Passion Karma), Mambo’s or Tito’s,  some of the finest clubs in Goa


Where to Stay:

Hotel Name: Resort Rio
          Hotel USP: Proximity to famous beaches and extensive spa treatments

Hotel Name: North 16
          Hotel USP: Has the largest pool in town and a happening poolside bar, proximity to beaches

Kerala (Munnar)





Honeymoon Style: Relaxing

Mountains and lakes, coffee plantations and houseboats, spa and spice - Kerala has it all! Walk together by the lush green tea plantations, soak in the salubrious air or just sit at the porch in one of its cottages.

Romantic Things to Do:

Indulge in a luxurious spa session.
Take a houseboat ride if you are staying in Allepey or Kumarakom. Don’t forget to sip on champagne as you glide past the palm-fringed backwaters
Rent a car/bike and drive up the mountains in Wayanad
Where to Stay:

Hotel Name: The Tall Trees
          Hotel USP: Scenic beauty, Ayurveda and spa treatments

Hotel Name: Leisure Inn- Le Celistum

          Hotel USP: Rooms with exceptional views of the valley, organized tours to Chinnar wildlife sanctuary


Kashmir (Gulmarg):




Honeymoon Style: Luxury

With vistas that can give Switzerland a run of its money, Kashmir is the perfect place for honeymooners. Explore the snow-clad mountains, the lines of wild flowers and the spectacular Dal Lake with your beloved and understand why Kashmir’s beauty is second to none.

Romantic Things to Do:

Take the Gondola ride together. Seeing Gulmarg from 14,000 feet is a surreal experience.
Walk up to the Strawberry valley in Gulmarg and sample the freshest strawberries.
In Srinagar, sail by the Dal Lake and relive the iconic scene of the movie Kashmir Ki Kali where Shammi Kapoor romances Sharmila Tagore on a shikara. Here’s your chance to make the reel life your real one.
Where to Stay:

Hotel Name: Heevan Retreat
          Hotel USP: Picturesque location, proximity to Gondola ride

Hotel Name: Nedous Hotel
          Hotel USP: Vintage hotel, proximity to the world famous ski resort



Rajasthan (Udaipur):




oneymoon Style: Culture/Classic Romance

The iconic palaces, museums and shimmering lakes make Udaipur one of the most romantic spots in India. Bask in the tranquility of the boat rides on the lakes, admire its lively art scenes and old-world charm and take back a honeymoon to remember.

 Romantic Things to Do:




Choose one of the exquisite palaces as the backdrop and indulge in some post-wedding photography
Take a sunset boat cruise along Lake Pichola and watch the road glimmer as the sun sets
Enjoy Udaipur’s illuminated skyline from the city’s myriad rooftop restaurants
Where to Stay:

Hotel Name: Ramada Udaipur Resort
          Hotel USP: Spa, cocktail making and cooking sessions, eco-friendly resort with themed rooms

Hotel Name: Purple seas Heritage Resort
          Hotel USP:  Scenic backdrop, luxurious rooms with jharokhas