Grosvenor House

Often referred to as Dubai’s most stylish hotel, Grosvenor House is a 45-story tower, located in the Dubai Marina. When it was completed, in 2005, this chic establishment was the first operational building in the city’s prestigious marina district, and is now one of the most widely recognized structures in Dubai. Over the years, Grosvenor House Hotel, so called after London’s Grosvenor House, has won a series of awards for design and construction.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Built back in 1997, the wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel has become one of Dubai’s iconic structures, complementing the adjacent, sail-shaped Burj al-Arab. Although its spotlight has been stolen by other Dubai hotels, built in recent years, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel set a new standard in hotel design, and deserves a lot of the credit for the progress made in this area.

The wave-mirroring Jumeirah Hotel offers its guests 34,000 square feet of private beach, as well as unlimited access to the neighboring waterpark, making it an ideal choice for adults and children alike.

Al Murooj Rotana

Located close to Dubai’s main thoroughfare, in the shadow of the recently completed Burj Khalifa tower, Al Murooj Rotana is considered one of the best-looking buildings in the city. Conveniently tucked away behind Sheikh Zayed Road, this luxurious 5 star hotel is mostly preferred by busy businessman that don’t always appreciate its beautiful design, but that didn’t stop us from placing it on our list. Featuring elements of classic Arabian architecture and surrounded by a man-made moat-like lake, Al Murooj Rotana Hotel is a sample of design excellence.

Burj al-Arab

Translated as “Tower of the Arabs”, Burj al Arab was the world’s first seven-star hotel. And if that wasn’t impressive enough, its ship sail-like design, breathtaking interior and exotic location are sure to please even the most pretentious customers. The 280-meter Burj al Arab is built on an artificial island, connected to mainland Dubai by a private bridge. Built to become synonymous with the country’s name, Burj al Arab certainly reached its goal, and is now one of the most famous hotels on Earth.

Atlantis, The Palm

An amazing construction, worthy of its legendary name, Atlantis is indeed the main attraction of Dubai’s The Palm complex. Opened in 2009, in an event so bright that it was visible from space, Atlantis, The Palm has become the ultimate seven-star resort. Located atop the famous “The Palm” man-made island, Atlantis has a stylish design and offers some of the most breathtaking views you’ll ever have the chance to see. A true architectural wonder of the world, Atlantis, The Palm has raised the bar to a whole new level that won’t soon be reached.

The Auckland Domain

Auckland’s oldest park has 75 hectares and was developed around the cone of an extinct volcano. The park is rich in mature trees and boasts an impressive sculpture garden. With lush hints of formal English gardens as well, Domain highlights include the Auckland War Memorial Museum and Wintergardens.

Albert Park

A hot spot in the history of Auckland, the area that is now Albert Park was a battleground in the New Zealand Land Wars of the 19th century. A network of tunnels and air raid shelters were also built here throughout World War II. Today, the park has some impressive specimens of oak trees, Moreton Bay figs and California fan palms. Albert Park is also close to some of the best hotels in Auckland.

Mount Eden

For spectacular views over Auckland, head to Mount Eden. The most prominent peak in the metro Auckland area is 196 m-high and rife with brilliant native flora.

Western Park

The park was settled in the mid 19th century, when no less than 1100 deciduous and coniferous trees were planted here. When Western Park was inaugurated, a local journalist declared that Auckland had joined the ranks of ‘the civilised world’. Recent improvements have held faithful to the park’s initial layout.

Western Springs Park

Western Springs Park is an exuberant expression of life and nature. The Auckland oasis surrounds a natural lake and doubles as a significant bird sanctuary as well. The park frames phenomenal attractions like Auckland Zoo, the Museum of Transport and Technology and Western Springs Stadium.

The journey to the ancient place— a must if you are exploring the stunning landscape of Switzerland, starts best with a boat ride over Lake Geneva or a romantic shoreline walk. Once you get to the castle, you will see that it looks as grand from the inside as it looks magnificent from the outside.

But the history of the castle has not always been as lovely as its current beautiful state.

Although it dates back all the way to the early Bronze Age, the actual Château de Chillon structure seems to have first come in to existence in the 1100s. It was in 1150 that the first reference to the castle was made and it was in this period that it was controlled by Counts of Savoy. It was then taken over by the Bernese and for the last 200 years has been under the control of Canton of Vaud.

Apart from its long history, it was most essentially made famous by Lord Byron who described Château de Chillon and Lake Geneva in such an exaggerated hyperbole, that it started evoking the interest all across Europe.

The modern day castle is one large structure that welcomes you with its three grand courtyards which start at the entrance with the Lower Courtyard, then moves on to the Castellan’s courtyard and finally to the Courtyard of Honor.

Apart from the obvious Gothic architecture and the large sweeping interiors, you will also find the extravagant castle in tune with the common image of an ancient castle, including a dungeon and plenty of murals. The underground dungeons of Chillon have been crafted out of the base rock of the island and are well-known for the imprisonment of Bonivard, who was depicted as a hero by Byron.

A trip through these dark depths is an absolute must.

There are the four formal great halls which give you spellbinding view of Lake Geneva and the magnificent panorama that surrounds Chillon in all directions. The Camera Domini room— reserved once for the dukes, deserves a special mention for the impeccable mural work on its walls and the lavishness it exudes. Chillon’s chapel is such a rare entity because of the presence of icons that are non-existent today that a stop here is a privilege indeed.

While the lake side of the castle is all about royal luxury, the mountain side is a lesson in defense strategy as it is fitted with watchtowers, sentry walks, double ramparts and turrets to ensure complete security. It is this exclusive stature of Chillon that has allowed it to remain untouched by the wars and strife that constantly affected the rest of Europe.

A trip to Château de Chillon is not just an expedition to a marvelous, astounding and exquisite ancient castle, but a voyage back in time that takes you back to a Medieval Europe and its unmatched majesty.

Timeless and charming every inch of the way!