If I travelled the seas to come up here, let me give you some useful information if you’re thinking of travelling to Koh Samet Thailand.
Cruise to Koh Samet Thailand
Getting to Koh Samet: the port that serves the island is called Ban Phe in the Rayong province and is 200 kilometers from Bangkok. It’s highway all the way. The cheapest bus is taken from Bangkok’s Eastern (Ekkamai): 160 THB (~0.5 USD). Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport can engage a taxi for 2000 THB ($50).
Once you go to Ban Phe, boats and small ships offer is unlimited. Depending on luck and negotiation skills, you can pay 50 THB ($1.2) for a shuttle boat or 700 THB ($20) for a fast boat. 30 minutes to the island in the first case, 10 minutes into the second. Some resorts offer free shuttle from Ban Phae.
Koh Samed Grand’s problem is the transport from one place to another. Taxis are the most expensive in Thailand, if not the world. A trip of one kilometer costs you 150 THB. An alternative to taxis would be to rent you a moped. THB 250-300 per day, the first fully free. But do not try it if you never driven motorcycles before. It’s suicide on those roads.
The best thing would be to get your accommodation in Sai Kaew. All are close: the beach, restaurants, rentals, port, supermarkets and ATMs.
What you do on Koh Samet Thailand
The island is small, it doesn’t offer to many attractions besides the beaches. You can, however, take a day trip around the islands that make up the Mu Koh Samed Marine Park. Or rent an ATV and you can get on the catastrophic roads linking the beaches from the north to the ones on the south. Be careful, no heroics, it’s not a joke.
Baan Meaow / House of Cats: In Noi NA, locals have built a house for stray cats. Thirty cats are inside it, all beautiful. Leave some pennies for food in the outer wall. They seem well cared for, where I conclude that donations are going where they have to.
What can you eat on Koh Samet Thailand : you’ve fed the cats, it’s time to eat and something. On the Samet you’ll find them all: from Thai specialities to pizzas, schnitzels and seafood. For an absolutely overwhelming dining experience, I recommend the Summer Restaurant, a local gourmet from Noi Na that is beeing kept by the Australian Lizzie. Summer offers a fusion menu, where traditional dishes from Thailand, India and Europe are mixed with all sorts of demons apparently wrong, but the combination out huge results. Necessarily, in the end requires a Choc Surprise. Do not say what it is, that spoil the effect. Finally, if you want a perfect romantic evening, take your honey bunny’s and go to eat in Summer. You know usually do not make recommendations for restaurants, so take this as an exception exceptional exceptionally.
Guesthouse Koh Samed Noi Na Bay
Prices on Koh Samet Thailand: above average. A portion of food starts from 100 THB. A room at all decent is 500 THB in low season.
Where to stay: If you want peace and privacy, accommodates like us, in Ao Phrao, Ao Phai or Noi Na. The further south you go, the beaches are quiet, and access is more difficult (to impossible). If you want action, Sai Kaew is what you’ll need.
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Guesthouse Koh Samed Noi Na Bay
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See what Wikipedia is saying.
If you’re passionate about travelling, you must take a Trip to Sicily in your lifetime. At least one trip to Sicily. Our trip to Sicily was just between two Etna eruptions. Which made the trip a lot more interesting.
You most likely already thought of Etna, Europe’s largest volcano, located in Sicily, you can imagine what we thought when, after the plane had been paid, the luggage and all bookings were made four months in advance and then we learned the night before our departure that Etna began to erupt (in April this year)! After a brief hesitation, however, left and landed in Catania surrounded by black smoke, which was not held so far have not missed the trip planned. Landscapes they love stayed in one place: we took the train and saw the course as Catania, Caltagirone, Siracusa, Taormina and Messina – this sums up our trip to Sicily.
Our trip to Sicily starts in Taormina
The beauty pageant where I won Taormina, the resort at the foot of Mount Etna, the city climbs Mount Tauro coast, where it falls on a long little road, winding, twisting, paved with volcanic stone, Via Pirandello. It passes through the narrow streets as housing and under balconies and wrought iron lanterns, not only near or below the giant cactus, lemon, orange, climbing plants and many flowers. It falls on the vast panorama with its splendid colors, red off of roofs, terraces pink, blue pool. Nearly all the resort is pedestrian, traveling for leisure car but they are nestled in a huge downtown parking. To climb to the peak at Castelmolo ie, it is preferable to take the bus. The view is incomparable, in the Ionian sea, blue and clear, is a quiet island, Isola Bella, dressed in Mediterranean vegetation and exotic plants, located near the beach, go to it through water up to knee. The center of the cross road climbs up to the shrine of Madonna della Rocca. For Easter Catholic, on the steps of a well-exposed children and creations made from green wheat, flowers and veil arrangements dedicated to this event and celebrate spring. Greco-Roman amphitheater ruins, Odeon Theatre (built in the third century î.dH) discovered in 1898 recall the grandeur of Roman imperial era building. Ciampoli and Corvi palaces, cathedral-thirteenth century, the Palace of the Dukes of San Stefano, are elegant examples of medieval Sicilian architecture. The myriad of small terraces and restaurants to eat tasty swordfish drizzled with wine Castelmolo. Ice cream is delicious. Small shops expose and Internationals usual pottery and souvenirs.
Landscapes, lush vegetation, beach, boat trips to caves, architectural eras, gastronomy, brought to Taormina renowned poets and novelists: Ovid, Pliny the Elder, DH Lawrence, Maupassant. Sounds like a land and they are also ideal if you do not mind the wind would sometimes break your head with instantaneous changes in temperature, when you put your jacket and two sweaters, they stay in summer shirt.
Syracuse
This city founded by the Corinthians (734 î.dH) with once rivaled Athens and currently its magnificent Greek and Roman monuments, or rather their remains, remain an important attraction of the place of birth of Archimedes. Greek theater carved entirely in rock, one of the world’s largest Greek National Archaeological Museum exhibits the Duomo Square arts and architecture evokes the grandeur of antiquity, the churches built in the Middle Ages or later, and they enrich the cultural heritage of the island. From the third Roman amphitheater, the largest after Rome and Verona, was only a memory as a large pits. No shortage of natural beauties: Denis’s ear and tongue Cave, former quarries with strange shapes, River ANAPOI Pantalica keys. Syracuse connected by four bridges, Ortiga island is a place of rambling, with streets and medieval buildings, some in ruins, conquered by abundant vegetation, other stylish as locals. There is a large market and a dome, terraces and restaurants, long cliff walk, souvenir shops with local pottery, colorful or too brightly colored and Trinacria, the symbol of Sicily, a mythical three-legged (the three angles of Sicily. A must see in a Trip to Sicily) and snakes around her head as Gorgona, meant to frighten the wicked. Market shellfish and marine life is a colorful picture, alluring. Somewhere in water increases papyrus, known herb that has been written on a foil and painted centuries to come.
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Ever wondered how is it to sleep in a castle ? Here’s a list of the best Castle Hotels in Scotland. Chose the one you like and book 
Best Castle Hotels in Scotland – rent a room or the whole castle
With its green landscapes, swamps, mountains dim or clear lakes, Scotland is one of the most romantic destinations in Europe. British royal family, and other aristocrats, across Europe, crossed its land for hundreds of years, sleeping into its famous castles. Fortunately, some historical castles in Scotland have been converted into hotels and are available for those willing to spend nice sums of money to live like kings and queens, a long and remarkable night. Here’s top five most beautiful castle hotels in Scotland, conducted by Frommer’s.
1. Glenapp Castle – Castle Hotels in Scotland
Glenapp Castle Hotels in Scotland
Glenapp was built in 1870, being a “young” castle and thus one of the best preserved. The castle maintained its original specificity – Victorian style decorated with original artwork and appropriate furniture in each bedroom. Guests can enjoy the castle, stretched over 30 acres (12 hectares), including a Victorian greenhouse 150 feet long (45.7 meters), tennis and croquet.
Price: Luxury Double Rooms from 460 euros per night
2. Aldourie Castle
More details www.aldouriecastle.co.uk / Photo: Flickr
Aldourie Castle is one of the famous banks of Loch Ness which can be inhabited. The field was first mentioned in 1626 as a noble residence. Because classical style architecture “Scottish Baronial” and privileged geographical location, Aldourie was a popular royal family and its Victorian court. Guests are provided with their own castle suite, which takes care of food, maintenance room and concierge services.
Price: castle with 15 bedrooms is fully rentable. One night costs from 5150 euros.
3. Winton House
More details www.wintonhouse.co.uk/ Photo: Flickr
The castle was built in 1480, with additions in the eighteenth and nineteenth century. Henry VII ordered the original tower is destroyed, but it was rebuilt around 1620. Today, the residence is still regarded as an architectural jewel of the Scottish Renaissance. However, the castle are exhibited works of famous artists such as Van Dyke, Van Goyen, and Canaletto. The present owner, Sir Francis Ogilvy, divided castle with guests and know that she likes to dance Scottish style with them.
Price: From 1650 euros and 2300 euros per week weekend
4. Dalhousie Castle
More details www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk/ Photo: Flickr
The first version of the castle was still high in the thirteenth century, and the original massive walls of the foundation still remains. Guests can dine in the restaurant in the tower, which serves traditional Scottish dishes. The castle stood King Edward I of England and Mary Queen of Scotland.
Price: From 130 euros per night
5. Inverlochy Castle
More details www.inverlochycastlehotel.com/ Photo: Flickr
It was built in 1863 and is the mountain Ben Nevis, the highest in Britain. Queen Victoria fell in love with the castle when he visited in 1873. Other celebrities who have lived in the hotel with 17 rooms at Inverlochy are Liam Neeson, Charlie Chaplin, Sean Connery and JK Rowling. Harry Potter actors also often stayed here.
Price: Double rooms from 410 euros per night at the Inverlochy Castle Hotels in Scotland.
See the list of all the Castles in Scotland on Wikipedia.
The 7 art and architecture wonders at the London Olympics
BBC journalists have made a top of the most interesting artistic and architectural achievements related to the Olympics held in London.
These 7 Wonders of London were featured in a BBC article that you can read here.
Here are seven of these “miracles” of the London Olympics (photos – Flickr, BBC).
ArcelorMittal Tower
7 wonders of London – Arcelor tower Olympics
With a height of 114.5 meters, Arcelor Mittal Tower dominates the Olympic Park. It was designed by Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond to become an Eiffel Tower of London. 2,000 tons of steel were used to raise the monument, whose construction lasted 18 months and cost 22 million pounds. It is located in Olympic Park to reach the top, you must climb 455 steps
RUN
Three huge letters made of glass and steel, each weighing 10 tons, make up the word “RUN” (run), near Copper Box, the place of the handball competitions and modern pentathlon. During the day, the letters reflect the surroundings, and the night glow, being illuminated by a high energy efficiency.
Jurassic rocks
The ensemble consists of 16 stones built on steel pillars in the middle of a pond. Sculpture is located close to the Olympic sport of sailing. Each stone weighs two nine tons. Rocks were formed 160 million ago years, in what was then a tropical lagoon. Artwork has cost 335,000 pounds (428,500 euros)
Steles
35 crayons shaped sculptures were installed in the waterworks river. The heights of three to five feet, the sculptures have an aesthetic and a functional purpose – after OJ will be used as pillars to anchor the boat. The name of the artwork comes from the plural of “stars” (monument).
Underwhirl below the highway
A large installation consisting of colors drawn into spirals, decorate an underground passage 50 meters long, which crosses the A12 highway, six lanes. When performing artist Martin Richman artwork used gypsum and recycled colored glass.
Basketball Arena
It is the largest ever built temporary Olympic basis. The exterior walls will be used to design games of lights. Room building with a capacity of 12,000 seats, it took a year and a half and “swallowed” 1,000 tonnes of steel and 20,000 square meters of recycled PVC. Arena will be removed after the Olympics.
The shooting venue
Three temporary structures with a futuristic design is the Olympic shooting. All three rooms will be removed at the end of OJ. Red or blue bumps endings remember the octopus tentacles and are used to ventilate the premises.
This were the 7 Wonders of London during Olympics. Some or them will remain, most of them will be gone. So see them again, you’ll only see them in pictures soon.
How many of us tried disarming sense that time spent in a foreign country will never be enough to know it all? This would be true for a normal country, but houses the Old Continent and patches of earth and spiritually rich enough to be independent countries and the advantage can be taken within hours.
Liechtenstein country profile
In addition to the real economy of time, you will have the opportunity to find that a weekend will be enough to “stir” every corner of the country. Liechtenstein country is part of the success among microstates, but this feature is only a small part of its charm. But better to let this passion pleasure travelers devoted to discovering the beauty of a country that occupies a smaller area than that of Rhode Island.
Dwarf between giants
Bordered by Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein is, along with Uzbekistan, a country in its strength intracontinental word, since to reach higher to cross borders two other countries. And the features do not end here. The only country with German as the official language, without the borders with Germany, although the influence is not hard to understand the historical context and geographical location. Although neighboring countries exert a neglected economy, culture and transport, people are very proud of this small country of their origin and there is no mistake on the part of a tourist than to confuse the Swiss, Austrians or Germans. If you are speaking German should be prepared to talk in a German dialect, rather close to the Swiss or Austrian version. The language spoken is English, followed by French.
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Read this article before you go on your Bali Vacation. How to get to Bali, where to have fun in Bali and much more.
In the center of the Indonesian archipelago, 8 degrees south of the equator, is a unique place: the island of Bali. Of the 17,508 islands that make up the Indonesian archipelago, Bali is only a non-Muslim majority population. Over 93% of Balinese are Hindu Balinese followers, a unique form of Hinduism, influenced over the centuries by local beliefs.
Because the island is found over 20,000 temples and Balinese rituals and beliefs are found in every path of life, Bali is known as the Island of Gods. So, a Bali vacation is a must in your lifetime.
Heavenly climate, lush vegetation, volcanoes still active and make waves suitable for surfing Bali one of the most beautiful islands in the world, and increasingly more tourists from around the world want to be partakers of magical experiences offered by this little island ( 153 kilometers from east to west, 111 km from north to south).
Bali vacation has something for everyone: fans of water sports are surfing, rafting, snorkeling and scuba diving among tropical fish. Those who seek to rather mystical side will be fascinated by Balinese temples and soaring volcanoes have a chance Batur and Agung, considered gods by the locals. Those fascinated by the art will find hundreds of artists, from sculptors working in volcanic rock prevalent on the island to which process shellfish jewelers crafted tropical wonders. Romantics will be seen rising on top of Batur volcano, then enjoy a spectacular sunset in the Indian Ocean. Bali is a very popular destination among those who wish to have a wedding with everything and very special, with many companies that organize unforgettable ceremony. So, your Bali vacation can also be your wedding and honeymoon.
Balinese are proud people that have not historically accepted to be downtrodden. They were shocked by puputan planet, mass suicides of their choice when the alternative was Balinese subjects to become Dutch invaders. In fact, the most important hero in the history of the island, Gusti Ngurah Rai (if your name sounds familiar, is the only airport on the island name) died in 1946 after Puputan ordered to fight the Dutch, or fight to the death .
How to get to Bali
Since the island of Bali is located at around 10,000 km of Europe and much more from United States, be prepared for a long journey, in several segments. The best option is offered by Qatar Airways, but all involve two or three segments. The Qatar Airways option would be Doha, Doha – Singapore and Singapore – Denpasar. Upon arrival in Bali on your Bali vacation you have to pay entry visa into the country, which costs $ 25 for 30 days. Also, you will need to pay a fee and departure: 150,000 rupees (about 52 USD) for international flights, or 40,000 rupees (about 14 USD) if you plan to fly to another city in Indonesia.
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Vacation in Aruba
About the wonderful Aruba … primarily for those who love the beach and sea is a place broken from heaven that words can not describe the beauty of nature is so good that you feel it just relaxing on the beach. Vacation in Aruba.
It never seems to be too warm sea breeze continuously and is never clouded because the average rainfall is very low and generally occurs in December and air temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius is one of the islands completely away from hurricanes.
As an idea, the temperature difference from day to night with about as much as 3 degrees and varies between summer and winter. So whenever you decide to visit is ok, less those two rainy months. It is best to have sunscreen because a vacation in Aruba means a burning sun (and you probably will get sand all over even if you sit on the chair because of the breeze !
During the day if you opt for the beach, I recommend renting a jeep is not very expensive (or very modern ) about $ 60 and will take a map and to cut the road. can be guided but more expensive and … we cut it in long and wide … can be seen in the first place there is a very beautiful natural pool formed from rocks where the waves are crashing and water supplies the water is clear and you can see coral reefs and exotic fish even giving a unique feeling!
A Vacation in Aruba is not complete without a visit to the California Lighthouse, which was named after a ship sank a few years before its construction, the image is picturesque tranquility that a grant is second to none.
Park Arikok and butterfly farm again offers an insight into the flora and fauna can rent horses if you book cond.
And finally to get the biggest attraction that offers Aruba-world Nemo Fish subaquatic all we know he lives here! In about two hours Journey of a submarine hiding can see the sea … from coral reefs to wrecks of ships sunk (Antilla dating from the 2nd World War I) exotic fish, barracuda, lobster …
What we did in November was to visit a cave that left me completely disappointed with our usual as I found a pits and a waste of time.
Nightlife in Aruba
And now for the fun part of the Vacation in Aruba: Those who are familiar with the Caribbean, you probably know about Carlos and Charlies and are probably smiling. Those unfamiliar should know that is a pub where they play and you probably will end up dancing on the tables on the ceiling where you can.. where you can drink shots… Every night …
Overall I say this place is unique and although the landscape is a little expensive for us Europeans to visit the so-called “happy island” frame with a picture not to forget.
Enjoy the great photo gallery from Aruba: 60 pictures with all you can think that will most definitely make you want a Vacation in Aruba.
Last year, in France came into force a new classification system for hotels, in order to highlight these luxury hotels whose services worth more than five stars. Thus, the State Secretariat for Tourism has introduced a new category called ” Palace in France “. In total, 12 hotels have received so far this distinction, three of them, you will find at the end of this survey, entering only last month.
Jury decides to include a hotel in category Palace in France is led by an academic and includes, among others, journalists, architects and representatives of the hotel. The jury decides based on criteria such as quality, history and architecture of buildings. Distinction is awarded for five years, after which the hotel is reviewed.
Here are the 12 Hotels Palace in France, the “super-hotels”:
Hotel Le Bristol Dining Room / Source: placesinparis.com
Renowned for its exquisite French garden, Hotel “Le Bristol” is located just steps from the Champs-Elysées, Place de la Concorde, the Louvre and Orsay Museum. Rooms are decorated in soft hues, and some of the furniture is of the eighteenth century. Bathrooms are white Carrara marble. Prices range from 680 to 5400 euros per night.
Presidential suite at Hotel „Le Meurice” / source: official site
With its apartments looking onto neighboring Tuileries Garden, “Le Meurice” is one of nearly two hundred years among the most elegant hotels in the world. The official presentation of the hotel shows that it combines “decor, style and exceptional quality with contemporary chic air.” Prices for one night varies between 880 and 3290 euros per night.
The teraces of Park Hyatt Hotel in France have a view at Place Vendôme / source: gofrance.com
Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme is one of the hotels that the architecture remains imprinted on your retina. Official brochure submit that the mixture of contemporary and classic design architecture lends the hotel a sensual and subtle elegance. It would be nice to be so, at prices between 780 and 9170 euros per night it shows hotel.
The presidential suite’s bedroom at “George V” / source: official site
Located within walking distance of the Champs-Elysees, Four Seasons Hotel “George V” boasts private terraces offering panoramic views of the entire Paris, tapestries restored in the eighteenth century and “a spirit of elegance and charm characteristic”. The restaurant is serving, “Le Cinq”, has two Michelin stars. A night here costs between and 925 and 5,000 euros.
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QATAR AIRWAYS was named the World’s Best Airline in the World Airline Awards 2012 at the Paris Air Show
The World’s Best Airlines 2012
1 Qatar Airways
2 Singapore Airlines
3 Asiana Airlines
4 Cathay Pacific Airways
5 Thai Airways International
6 Etihad Airways
7 Air New Zealand
8 Qantas Airways
9 Turkish Airlines
10 Emirates
World’s Best Economy Class – Singapore Airlines
World’s Best Premium Economy Class – Qantas Airways
World’s Best Business Class – Cathay Pacific Airways
World’s Best First Class – Etihad Airways
World’s Best Inflight Entertainment – Emirates
World’s Best Airline Alliance – Star Alliance
World’s Best Airport Services – Thai Airways
World’s Best Leisure Airline – Air Transat
World’s Most Improved Airline – China Eastern Airlines
World’s Best Cabin Staff – Malaysia Airlines
World’s Best Low-Cost Airline – AirAsia
World’s Best Regional Airline – Garuda Indonesia
Best Airline Staff Service in Africa – South African Airways
Best Staff Service in Australia / Pacific – Virgin Australia
Best Airline Staff Service in Central Asia / India – Indigo
Best Airline Staff Service in China – Hainan Airlines
Best Airline Staff Service in Asia – EVA Air
Best Airline Staff Service in Europe – KLM
Best Staff Service in Middle East – Qatar Airways
Best Airline Staff Service in North America – Virgin America
Best Staff Service in Central America / Caribbean – TACA Airlines
Best Airline Staff Service in South America – TAM Airlines
Best Business Class Airline Lounge – Virgin Atlantic
Best First Class Airline Lounge – Qantas Airways
Best Low-Cost Airline in Asia – AirAsia
Best Low-Cost Airline in Australia / Pacific – Jetstar Airways
Best Low-Cost Airline in Central Asia / India – Indigo
Best Low-Cost Airline in Europe – easyJet
Best Low-Cost Airline in North America – Virgin America
Best Low-Cost Airline in South America – Azul Brazilian
Best Airline Transatlantic – British Airways
Best Airline Transpacific – ANA All Nippon Airways
Best Airline in Northern Europe – Finnair
Best Airline in Southern Europe – Turkish Airlines
Best Airline in Eastern Europe – Transaero Airlines
Best Airline in Western Europe – Lufthansa
Best Airline in Africa – South African Airways
Best Airline in Australia / Pacific – Virgin Australia
Best Airline in Central Asia / India – Air Astana
Best Airline in China – Hainan Airlines
Best Airline in Asia – Asiana Airlines
Best Airline in the Middle East – Qatar Airways
Best Domestic Airline in North America – Virgin America
Best International Airline in North America – Air Canada
Best Airline in Central America / Caribbean – TACA Airlines
Best Airline in South America – TAM Airlines
Best Airline in Europe – Turkish Airlines
Best Regional Airline in Asia – Garuda Indonesia
Best Regional Airline in China – Shenzhen Airlines
Best Regional Airline in Europe – Aegean Airlines
Best Regional Airline in South America – TRIP Linhas Aéreas
Best Regional Airline in North America – Alaska Airlines
Best Economy Class Airline Seat – Asiana Airlines
Best Premium Economy Class Airline Seat – Turkish Airlines
Best Business Class Airline Seat – Oman Air
Best First Class Airline Seat – Etihad Airways
Best Economy Class Onboard Catering – Singapore Airlines
Best Premium Economy Onboard Catering – Qantas Airways
Best Business Class Onboard Catering – Swiss Intl Air Lines
Best First Class Onboard Catering – Etihad Airways
Best Airline Signature Dish – Malaysia Airlines
4-Star Airline Certification – Air Astana
5-Star Airline Certification – Malaysia Airlines
Source: Skytrax on Facebook
After the high demand of our previous article about the newly inaugurated Royal Alhambra Palace in Side, Turkey, we are now following up on that fact sheet article with an extensive photo gallery of the new pearl of Stone Group Hotel in Antalya – Royal Alhambra Palace.
In this 88 picture gallery you can see in full detail all the activities and services provided by this new 5 star resort on the Antalya Riviera.
- Great aerial views of the Royal Alhambra Palace in Side, Turkey
- The amusement park and aqua park incorporated inside Royal Alhambra resort in Side. Also, bumper cars, bowling area, games room
- Restaurant platings and Swedish buffet for the all-inclusive packages at Royal Alhambra: vegetable, deserts, sushi etc.
- Royal Alhambra Side has a lot of pools, inside and outside
- Pictures of all the restaurant and dining areas Royal Alhambra Side has
- Saunas, massage areas and treatment areas of Royal Alhambra
- Shopping centre inside the Palace of Royal Alhambra
- It’s own sandy beach
- Great night view photos of the Royal Alhambra resort is Side
- Nightclub and Summer theatre at the resort. Great shows with the greatest artists Antalya has
- Inside the rooms pictures
- Much more
photography sources: official website
