Cuba Si!

Last month I made my 3rd trip to Cuba, this time flying with Sunwing and staying at Breezes Jibacoa, which is about 1 hour from Havana. This property is very popular with Canadians and there are lots of repeat guests. Most of the rooms are Garden View but best to request away from the pool, or book an Ocean View Room. Or you may upgrade on arrival subject to availability to a 1 bedroom Ocean View Suite for CUC $50.00 per night. It has a gorgeous view and a double balcony, separate bedroom and two bathrooms. The grounds were lovely,the salt water swimming pool was huge, and the beach is great for snorkelling as it is on a coral reef. However if you want a nice swimming beach best go to Varadero. In November the water was still choppy and the red flag was up every day. The main restaurant was buffet and quite good, we always found something to eat there and enjoyed eating outside on the patio. The resort had two specialty restaurants, one Cuban and one Italian. We only made it to the Italian Restaurant where we had Filet Mignon which was excellent. The 24 hour Cappucino Bar was a hit and there was a Piano Bar where you could enjoy a drink before dinner. The resort offered a gym, a games room with table tennis and billiards and various organized activities throughout the day such as Spanish and Tango Lessons.



We went into Havana by Classic Taxi which was a step back in time and enjoyed going back to Old Havana, Ernest Hemingways haunts, The National Hotel and listening to the Cuban Music.   We also went to the market where you could buy art work, leather goods and cuban music instruments.



On another day we also hired a Classic Taxi to go to Matanzas and Varadero, and went into the Bellamar Caves en route. These caves, discoved in 1891 but thought to be thousands of years old are 2 kilometers underground and filled with calcite crystals and stalactites and amazing rock formations.

The all inclusive resort is a great way to go if you want some rest and relaxation with an opportunity for a couple of day trips.  If you want to explore more of Cuba and meet the locals, there are some great 8 or 15 day cycling trips.  Also you can now take a 7 night cruise on board a 25 Cabin Sail Cruiser from Trinidad to Havana with 2 nights in Havana. Please contact me for more details. 

Calling all Hobbit fans

There is much excitement in New Zealand right now with the world premier of 'The Hobbit' in Wellington.  Air New Zealand has painted their aircraft with Hobbit characters and produced a great flight safety video promoting the movie.
So if you are a Hobbit and Lord of the Rings fan here is a suggested self drive itinerary for your next trip to Middle Earth! 

Day 01:  Arrive in Auckland which is the country's largest city and home to 1.5 million people.  It is surrounded by two harbours and offers world class accommodation, outstanding food and wine and great shopping. 

Day 02:  Drive from Auckland to Waitomo (approximately 2 hours.)
Here you will see the subterranean waterfalls; spectacular glowworm light displays and awe inspiring rock formations created millions of years ago.  With its name from 'Wai' which translates as water and 'tomo' which means entrance or hole in Maori, Waitomo is the perfect setting for some of New Zealand's natural wonders.

Filming for The Hobbit trilogy took place on private farmland just around the corner from the famous Waitomo Caves and locals moved out of their homes to allow the film crew to stay in the area.

Day 03:  Explore more of the caves before driving from Waitomo to Hamilton (approximately 1 hour.)
The riverside city of Hamilton lies in the heart of the Waikato which is New Zealand's  most productive dairy farming region.  Best known for nature based tourism and off the beaten track experiences, the city and surrounding area offers something for everyone.

Day 04:   It was just outside the town of Matamata that Sir Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema spotted a slice of land during an aerial search for film sites in 1998 for Lord of the Rings.  Mature pine trees in front of a pituresque lake with surrounding landscapes untouched by 20th century clutter, perfectly resembled The Shire as described bu author J.R.R. Tolkein.  It became the famous setting for Hobbiton and was rebuilt in 2011 for The Hobbit trilogy to remain a permanent tourist attraction. 

Just 45 minutes from Hamilton you can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set in a fascinating 2 hour guided tour.  There are spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges from the rolling green hills of the movie set.  This is still a working sheep and beef farm and there's the chance to cuddle and bottle feed pet lambs.  Enjoy luch at The Shire's Rest Cafe before heading down to Rotorua.  The drive from Matamata to Rotorua will take about 45 minutes.

Day 05:  The city of Rotorua is surrouned by a fascinating landscape of geothermal activity, freshwater lakes and majestic native forests.  Home to the Te Arawa tribe, it's a region steeped in Maori legend.  Whether you want to explore amazing boiling mud pools and steam vents, relax in a natural hot pool or try your hand at trout fishing, Rotorua is the place to do it.

Day 06:  Drive to Taupo, and visit the famous Huka Falls and the Aratiatia Rapids - where filming also took place.

Day 07:  Drive to Tongariro (about 1 hour.)
This is one of the favourite locations for the cast and crew of The Hobbit who were really impressed by the scenery and the cultural experience the local Maori people gave them.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is described as one of the best one day hikes in New Zealand crossing from alpine meadows to mountain summit with stunning volcanic features along the way.  Walk across a lunar landscape of craters, scattered pumice, active volcanoes, mountain springs, lava flows and more.  This is an 8-9 hour guided trek.  The summit of Mt Tongariro is 1967 meters and Mt Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom,) 2287 meters above sea level.

Day 08:  Drive from Tongariro to Wellington (approximately 4.5 hours)
Nestled between a picturesque harbour and forest clad hills, the views are everywhere.  Wellington has pioneered museums, public galleries and civic space to give the city an easy living style.  Boutique shops, chic cafe's and restaurants are always busy.  The compact city is a pleasure to walk around with a lively waterfront and bays all around the harbour to enjoy.

Day 09:  In Wellington.  A tour is the best way to uncover the secrets of movie making in Wellington.  Vist the sites where filming began for The Lord of the Rings trilogy with Wellington Rover Tours and Flat Earth Tours.  Stops include the Hutt River (Anduin) and Harcourt Park (Isengard), Kaitoke Regional Park (Rivendell, Minas Tirith and Helms Deep at an old quarry closed to general visitors.  You will also see Wellington city from the summit of Mount Victoria and run along the same path that the Hobbits ran to the ferry and on to the famous 'Get off the Road' scene.

'I know I speak for a company of hobbits, dwarves, elves and orcs when I say that this city holds a special place in our hearts.  We cannot think of a more perfect way to send The Hobbit off into the world than to celebrate with a huge party in Wellington, where the journey began.'  - Sir Peter Jackson

Photos Courtesy of New Zealand Tourist Board

Middle Earth

Staying Alert at Work

We often spend a great deal of time hunched over our desks, sometimes eating lunch while working and not even paying any attention to what we are actually eating.  Do you ever reach for that last piece of cookie and are surprised it's no longer there - you've already eaten it!  We think that by working away and not taking any breaks that we are getting things done, but over time this affects our health.  Here are some tips to Stay Alert and be more effective:

1.  Take at least 2 - 20 minute breaks during the day, one between 3.00-4.00PM.  We are programmed to be naturally active for 90-120 minutes at a time, but then require a 20 minute break to balance the glandular, immune, and nervous systems.  When we are stressed and expected to perform beyond our capacity for prolonged periods of time these rhythms are disrupted.  The lowest time of day for many people is between 3.00-4.00pm.  At this time our cycles overlap in their low phases, causing a drop in energy and function.  There is also a decrease in adrenal hormone cortisol during this period.

2.  Support your Adrenal Glands by eating regular meals and healthy snacks between meals to stabilize cortisol levels.  Avoid sugar, reduce caffeine and high glycemic carbohydrates that cause a spike and then a drop in cortisol.

3.  Breathe - if you need some energy do Right Nostril Breathing which stimulates the Left Side of the Brain.  Block off the left nostril with the left thumb and inhale and exhale through the Right Nostril.  Or try the 4 part breath - sniff in one breath but in 4 parts through both nostrils and one long exhale through the nose - continue for 3 minutes.

4.  Colour Therapy - Wear something Yellow or have a bright Yellow Cup or Item on your desk.  The colour is cheery but it also stimulates your Navel Chakra associated with Mental Intelligence.  Try sipping Ginger or Fennel Tea or add some lemon to your water.  Rosemary Oil strengthens the nervous system, stabilizes emotions and is great to use while studying and problem solving. 

5.  Take a walk and clear your mind - this is often when intuitive thoughts come and problems get solved.  If this isn`t possible take a few minutes to stretch - bring the arms up over the head and shake for a few moments, then come into a forward bend - do this a few times and then stay in the forward bend for 30 seconds or so - this can give you a new perspective.

6.  Yoga.  Bring both shoulders up to the ears on the inhale through the nostrils and shrug them down on the exhale through the mouth, and continue for a minute.  Then do Figure 8 Neck Rolls - helps release muscle tension in the neck, which then takes more newly oxygenated blood to your brain, eyes and ears.  If you are feeling really agitated go into the boardroom (when it`s not in use) and come into a downward dog (triangle pose) for 3 minutes - this works on the nervous system.

7.  Look up from your computer throughout the day and focus your eyes on something far away for a few moments.  Follow with moving the eyes up and down, left to right and then roll them around clockwise and then anti-clockwise.

In Flight Yoga & Wellness

It is certainly interesting to observe others while sitting on an aeroplane.  Some fidget and can't sit still, others settle right into a book or go to sleep and then there is always those who want to change their seat or can't fit their 'excess' hand luggage into the overhead.  Inevitably everyone has no choice but to settle in before take off.  That doesn't mean they are calm and relaxed though and often hands are clenched onto the seat rests and breaths become shallow for the anxious and worried.  If this is you, here are some tips that can help.

1.  Drink lots of water, especially if you are worried or anxious.  The element of water is cleansing and really helps the nervous system.

2.  Bring some calming music to listen to so you can create your own space.

3.  Bring a book you have already started and are enjoying.  This will give you more incentive to read if you are feeling restless.

4.  Have a scarf or hat to put on your head.  This helps you to feel contained and also stops the draft from the overhead air vent coming on your head.  Wear layered clothing as the cabin temperature often changes during the flight.

5.  Breathe.  You can change your energy through your breath.  Close your eyes and observe your breath and feel its rhythm.  Breathing fewer than 8 breaths per minute always calms you.  This is a great time to practice the 1 minute breath.  Start inhaling very slowly at first to a count of 5 seconds, hold the breath for 5 seconds and exhale to a count of 5.  Then gradually increase to 10 counts on the inhale, 10 hold and 10 on the exhale.  You can continue for 3 minutes.  This will be a 1/2 minute breath and if you are really comfortable you can work up to the 1 minute breath which would be 20 counts on the inhale, hold for 20 and exhale for 20.  The breath should not be gasping.

Or, if you are particularly nervous try Left Nostril Breathing which helps to make you calm and integrates unwanted negative emotions and stress.  Block off the right nostril with your right thumb and inhale through your Left Nostril, hold for a few moments and block off left nostril and exhale through the right nostril.  Block off right nostril and inhale through the left and continue inhaling Left Nostril and exhaling Right Nostril for 3 minutes. To end inhale both nostrils, hold a few moments and exhale both nostrils.

6.  Refrain from drinking too much alcohol on board, it de-hydrates you and because you are at a high altitude the effects are magnified and the amount of oxygen that gets to the brain is reduced.  Bring some healthy snacks to eat in between meals. 

7.  Bring some Peppermint or Ginger Tea Bags with you.  They both have a calming effect on the stomach and help with nausea.  For travel nerves put a few drops of Lavender Oil on a tissue and put it in a ziploc bag and keep handy.  Take a deep sniff when you need to relax.  I sometimes use the homeopathic remedy  No Jet Lag for long flights if I want to sleep and or want to reduce jet lag.  

8.  Think about where you want to sit on the aircraft - you can go to www.seatguru.com for help.  I like to get an aisle seat so I can move around when I want.  The disadvantage with the aisle however, is that you get bumped a lot as people walk by so if you want to sleep you might like a window better. 

9.  Exercise and move around during the flight - take a walk to an area where you can stand and lift one knee up to your chest and hold for a few moments, and then switch knees.  Next, stand tall and bring your hands on your hips and move the upper body to the right, then left, forward and back a few times.  Follow with interlacing your hands behind your back and stretch the shoulders back bringing your arms out behind you. 

Yoga in your seat - sit up tall with both feet on the floor and do Spinal Flexes.  Bring the chest forward on the Inhale and round the spine on the exhale - continue 1-2 minutes.  Lift up both heels, bring them down and lift both toes a few times.  Interlace the hands and stretch them up over your head for a few moments and release.  Bring your shoulders up to your ears and drop them down a few times.  Gently turn your head to the left and then right a few times and continue with neck rolls being mindful of the back of your neck.

10.  Meditation to Tranquilize the Mind in 3 minutes Click here for instructions

Travelling to Tibet - Change of Policy

Earlier this month, the Tibet Tourism Bureau announced changes to their Tibet Permit policy.  Travellers that now wish to visit Tibet must be in a group consisting of minimum 5 group members  that have the same nationality.  The Tibet permit itself is free but you still need to have a Visa for China. 
So if you are planning a trip let us know and we can find a suitable group for you to join.
www.travelg.com/marie

Spa Insights

Miraval in Tuscon, has just opened a new Life Balance Spa  and is offering a Spa Sampler Package including $150.00 nightly credit, complimentary manicure and pedicure, complimentary one room category upgrade and more.  The offer is available for stays through to August 2012.  Miraval also offers a variety of Yoga and Meditation from Pranayam, Flow and Power to Native American Yoga which unites Hatha with the ritual of the Sacred Circle.  But it isn't just about Yoga and Spa - there are special events such as a National Geographic Photography Workshop, Art in Residence Interactive Painting Workshop and lots of ongoing Wellness Programs.  Click here for Website


Canyon Ranch also near Tuscon have a Celebrate YOU special for Solo travellers May 15-Oct 31 and Dec 01-23 2012.  As well as Spa and Yoga you can overcome your fear with the High Ropes Challenge Course and Aerian Adventure, or participate in the Weight loss program or Life Enhancing Program.  Specialty weeks include 'Improve your Edge - Cycling Event, Advanced Hiking and lots more. Click here for Website

Rancho la Puerta is the oldest destination spa in North America and is located across the border from San Diego near Tecate.  Set on 3000 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds there is lots of room to breathe, enjoy a daily hike up Mount Kuchumaa, take cooking lessons at the organic farm, or just relax in the Spa.  They also offer regularly scheduled Yoga, Yoga for Men and Yoga weeks with guest instructors. Click here for Website

Ananda Spa, India set in the Himalayas overlooking the River Ganges, this spa was a former residential palace of a maharajah.  The Spa offers a combination of Wellness regimes including Ayurveda, Vedanta and Yoga, in a tranquil setting to help you unwind and relax after exploring the sights of Northern India.  Also with Rishkesh nearby - known as the Yoga Capital of the World - you can stay in an Ashram and then treat yourself to ending your Yoga vacation at Ananda. Click here for Website

Como Shambala Estate, Bali, located in the beautiful area of Ubud and thought to be one of the best places to practice Hatha Yoga, this Balinese resort features complimentary daily classes and one on one sessions, and visiting masters host specialty weeks.  There is an opportunity to experience a Water Purification Ceremony or Traditional Balinese Healing, or you can just retreat to a quiet spring pool down by the River Ayung. Click here for Website


Gwinganna Lifestyle Resort, Australia - located in Queensland's Gold Coast and surrounded by bush, the resort has 16 different walks each one offering a different perspective and purpose.  Start the day with Qi Gong as the sun rises and enjoy hiking, yoga on the outdoor yoga deck, pilates or try some boxing.  After lunch it is Dreamtime, a chance to unwind, enjoy the Spa, and sit in the Sound Lounge or visit the Organic Garden.  The Spa also offers Tribal Dreaming and Didgeridoo Healing.
Click here for Website

Off the Beaten Track - Southern New Zealand

On one of my trips back to New Zealand I decided to visit Stewart Island as I had never been there even though I grew up in Invercargill!  I’m talking about way down South here now, for those of you who aren’t familiar with New Zealand.  (Most tourists tend not to come any further south than Queenstown) but I love the drive from Queenstown to Invercargill with the endless green hills, poplar trees and of course all those sheep.  Invercargill has a beautiful park (Queens Park) with a rose garden, Aviary and a Museum.   I always like to go check on Henry the Tuatara who is about 100 yrs old by now.  Tuataras are native reptiles and were around when dinosaurs walked the earth.  He can be viewed from the park through bullet proof glass or you can go into the Museum and see these very slow moving creatures from inside.  While you are in the museum you will want to check out the Burt Munro exhibit which was set up following the success of the movie ‘The World’s Fastest Indian’ with Anthony Hopkins.  Burt Munro was also from Invercargill and some of the earlier scenes in the movie were filmed at Oreti Beach about 20 minutes out of town.  

To get to Stewart Island I decided to cross Foveaux Straight by Catamaran and that involves driving to Bluff (about 30 minutes) which is famous for its oysters and signpost reminding you just how far away you are from the rest of the world!  The crossing takes approximately 1 hour and I was a bit apprehensive as sometimes it can be a bit rough.  Fortunately it was a nice day and a smooth sailing. 

Stewart Island is commonly known as Rakiura to the Maori.  Most of the island (85%) is within the Rakiura National Park with unspoiled natural beauty.  The island is very quaint, and abundant with native flora, bush birds, great hikes , and one can also enjoy kayaking, fishing and relaxing.  For the more serious hikers you can walk the (Rakiura Track) which is a moderate 3 day 36km track suitable all year and for anyone with moderate fitness.  There are also a couple of 10 day tracks for the really experienced trampers and weather would also be a factor for these longer trips. 

You can visit Stewart Island as a day trip or spend a couple of nights in a Bed & Breakfast.  If you are a bird enthusiast you can see bellbirds, tui, fantails, parakeets and maybe even a kiwi.  So if you want to take a step back in time, enjoy quiet serenity and amazing coastal scenery you will enjoy this trip.  All season clothing recommended as this is a rain forest and wetland area.

To return to Invercargill I had booked a flight which started with checking in at the office in the town.  I was a bit horrified that they wanted to weight me as well as my bag!  There was quite a discussion of the total weight and finally some of us called to board a van.  It dawned on me that this was going to be a very small plane.  There were actually four of us and we drove to what I would describe as a large field in the middle of nowhere and we just sat there.  The driver radioed the pilot to see where he was and this is when I couldn't help but laugh.  Of all the airports that I'd been in and the airplanes I'd been on, this was the first time I'd had this experience.  After a minute or two the pilot and his plane came circling above,  then landed in the field and we drove up to it and the pilot started loading us in.   I was the last and wasn't sure how I was going to board and then I realized I'd have to climb over the wing and enter the seat next to the pilot which gave me a fabulous front row seat for the 12 minute flight back to Invercargill!

New Zealand Coastal Cruise

Do you get tired of packing and unpacking?  Why not see New Zealand by small ship.  Australian Owned and Operated Coral Princess Cruises is offering two departures February 2013 from Auckland to Milford Sound and reverse.   The ship Oceanic Discoverer accommodates just 72 guests and is small enough to reach the remote areas of the East Coast.  You will have a chance to explore Dunedin, visit Akaroa where its possible to swim with the dolphins,  see the active volcano on White Island and enjoy Maori culture.
If you book by July 31 2012 you can take advantage of either a 25% discount or if you are travelling solo opt for the no single supplement option.
Click here for more details 

Maries Sri Lanka Pics

Sri Lanka Insights

When I mentioned that I was going to Sri Lanka, I was met with questions like ‘Why’ or ‘Where is that exactly’. I have to admit I didn’t know much about it either, except that it was once called Ceylon, that it produces wonderful tea, and that the island had been embroiled in a Civil War. So I didn’t really know what to expect but I was intrigued with this far off place and the adventurer in me wanted to check it out. Far off indeed, it took 28 hours from Vancouver to Colombo with plane changes en route. The airport is about 1 hour from the city and it was pleasant to arrive in the middle of the night as there was less traffic and the temperature was cooler. Suggest you cash some money at the Airport into Sri Lankan Rupees. When you leave you need to change it all back BEFORE you go through Security. They do not take Sri Lankan Rupees in the Duty Free area. The shops were mostly closed on Sunday so everything was rather quiet. Sri Lanka embraces many religions – Buddhism, Hindu, Muslim and Christian. Within a few blocks there is usually a Buddha on a corner at the roadside, a gentle reminder to be present and in touch with one’s spirituality. You also may come upon statues of Ganesh one of the Hindu God’s and Jesus. An important thing to know when taking photos in Sri Lanka, is that you CANNOT take someone’s photo when they have their back to a Buddha. You will be told off in no uncertain terms. Heading North from Colombo we visited the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, where for a small fee you can feed an elephant with a giant milk bottle. You can then head down to the river and watch the elephants coming for their bath. I felt a bit sad here as these elephants will not be going back into the wild as they have had too much contact with people.  In fact they aren't taking any more elephants here, they are taken to another area where they will be able to be rehabilitated.
Sigiriya – UNESCO World Heritage Site is an amazing archaeological site. At the base of the Rock Fortress is a unique complex of Water Gardens that were so engineered that the Pebbles would create a beautiful sound. After climbing halfway up the rock you then get to climb up a Spiral Staircase which leads to a sheltered gallery where you can see the world renowned frescoes. These beautiful maiden frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster and originally there were 500, but only 19 remain today. After marvelling at these beautiful drawings you then walk through the Mirror Wall with its graffiti from the 6th to 14th Centuries and come out at the Lions Paws. Originally you would go through the mouth of a huge crouching lion to reach the top, but now only the huge paws remain. This rock is 1200 steps to the top and it was at this point I had to decide if I was going all the way. Fortunately I decided to climb again, although I did not look down and just took my time. If you have a fear of heights this site is a challenge. The top of the rock covers 1.6 hectares and you can see the remains of a royal citadel and several caves for meditation and bath areas. It was wonderful to just sit up here and gaze out at the incredible view just like the Buddhist Monks probably did over 1500 years ago. It takes about 2 hours to visit this site and we started our climb about 4.30PM. This turned out to be good timing as it wasn’t very busy and as we were coming down we were gifted with a beautiful sunset.

Polonnaruwa – another UNESCO World Heritage Site – is a medieval city that rose to fame as the capital (10th-12th Century AD) after the decline of Anuradhapura. What struck me about this site is the non commercialism, at least for now. The monuments are quite well preserved and you sense the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s past. There are a few sacred temples, both Hindu and Buddhist that require you to take off your shoes. Your tootsies can get quite hot on the stones so you may want to bring a pair of socks which is acceptable. The Gal Vihara is a group of four massive images of the Buddha, cut from a long piece of granite and at one time each was enshrined within a separate enclosure. Dambulla Caves – another important Sacred Site. Dates back to the 1st Century BC and is an amazing complex of five caves containing 150 Buddha images. It was first used as a refuge by an ancient king who on regaining his throne, commissioned magnificent carved images within the rock. Jeep Safari to Minneriya National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s key wildlife reserves. This was a great experience although rather a bumpy ride. We got to see the Asian Elephants in the wild and the scenery reminded me of Africa. Bentota Beach, a wonderful place to finish up and unwind before going home. The Indian Ocean was warm, the beaches beautiful. This area was not hugely affected by the Tsunami. We went to an Orphanage where there were girls from 7 to 19 and some of these children were orphaned during the Tsunami. They sang a very touching song about the event, and one of the older girls danced a beautiful dance for us. It was an emotional visit and most of us had tears in our eyes as we left.

There is not much infrastructure in Sri Lanka and the roads go right through the villages so there is always something to see, like roadside vendors selling fruit, lush vegetation and witnessing the people’s daily life. The downside is that these roads are quite narrow and sometimes there can be major traffic holdups, and it can take much longer than anticipated. There is currently only one airport in Sri Lanka, but there is to be another on the Eastern side of the island. Although there are not so many tourists from North America, the Europeans, Russians and Middle East visitors are heading here and many of the hotels we visited were full, even though high season had not yet started. We ate mainly in the hotels and the food was excellent. Sri Lanka has the hottest curry in the world apparently, but they do tone it down a bit in the hotels. Most of the meals were Buffet and there was usually a large selection of curries plus International dishes, salads, soups and amazing bread. Sri Lanka was occupied by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. The coffee was also surprisingly good and the tea of course was wonderful to drink.

Lunch in Sri Lanka

I certainly didn't lack for food on my recent trip to Sri Lanka.  In fact lunch at Heritance Kandalama was probably one of the best lunches I've enjoyed in a while.  This hotel offered a la carte and I chose the seafood dish that you see in the picture.We also enjoyed an incredible Carrot Soup, Salad and Dessert.  While enjoying lunch we got to watch the monkeys right outside the dining room window!  This hotel appears to be in the middle of no-where but is really very conveniently located close to the UNESCO sights of Sigiriya, Dambulla and Polonnaruwa.  You can enjoy these archeological wonders and then come back and relax in this eco-friendly environment, enjoy the Spa and spend quiet time.  

All of our meals in Sri Lanka were wonderful, mostly buffets which worked well as there was such a wide variety to appeal to everyone.  There was always local Sri Lankan Curries which are reputed to be the hottest in the world, (although toned down a bit in the hotels) but you could also choose from a huge selection of International Dishes, and the desserts were amazing, sometimes we just wanted to start with them!  Delicious Ice-Cream and I was always excited when we found 'the room'.  Many of the hotels had a room in the dining area dedicated entirely to desserts.   The tea of course was simply the best but surprisingly we all agreed the coffee also tasted good.  The other highlight  was the fresh assortment of fruits every morning - pineapple and papaya especially. 

A' dessert room' at Cinnamon Lodge 

Hangzhou and Mt Huanshan

One of my favourite places in China is Hangzhou
which is now only a 45 minute ride on the high speed train from Shanghai. Or you may want to go by road and visit one of the ancient water villages en route. I find it a nice break from the hassle of Shanghai and many Shanghai residents feel the same way as they like to escape here on the weekends, so best to go there mid week. I love the setting of West Lake where you can hop on the trolley that goes around the lake, enjoy a nice walk or go out for a boat ride. It is a great place for people watching and relaxing. Away from the lake you can walk in the old street , visit the Temples and the tree plantations.
It is good to spend 2 nights here, either as a side trip from Shanghai or continuing on by road to Huanshan Mountain, the inspiration for many artists. You will need another 2 nights, the first night you will spend at the base of the mountain and the next morning you take the cable car up and spend the night at the top. (You must pre-arrange this or you will never get up the mountain – there are thousands of local tourists also wanting to enjoy the sites.) The next morning get up early for the amazing sunrise before heading down later in the morning, or spend another day if you like lots of hiking.