2015-01-16

FTOFTË & NXEHTË NGA VIZITAT E FLORIPRESS-IT NËPËR BOTË....(2010-2015)

A frozen waterfall is seen in the Taiga region at temperatures of minus 30 degrees Celsius (-22 Fahrenheit) near the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk January 13, 2008. REUTERS/Ilya Naymushin (RUSSIA) - RTR1VRKN


<p>Though its real name is Kauapea, this empty, half-mile stretch of sand is better known among locals as Secret Beach. The name fits: Nestled between Kalihiwai Bay and Kilauea Point, it’s located far off the tourist track and accessible only by a rocky unmarked trail. Lava rocks border the beach on both sides and jutting red cliffs cloaked by lush vegetation and cascading waterfalls form a dramatic backdrop. Be warned: though public nudity is illegal in Hawaii, the far east side of the beach is unofficially clothing-optional.</p>



Picture shows a fjord behind the town of Ilulissat in Greenland August 16, 2007, during the visit of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel to the region. Merkel and Gabriel are on a two day visit to Greenland to get information on consequences of global warming. REUTERS/Michael Kappeler/Pool (GREENLAND) - RTR1SUIY


<p>Of all the beaches on the Big Island, the unspoiled crescent of black sand at the base of Waipio Valley is easily the most secluded: it’s sheltered by 2,000-foot cliffs and it’s a grueling three-mile hike down. But don’t be dissuaded: you’ll be rewarded handsomely for your efforts with superfine, inky sand and calm, clear turquoise water. Look to the east, and you’ll spot the spectacular Kaluahine Waterfall (pictured) and the larger Waiulili Falls, which can be accessed by a rocky trail along the surf. Due to its remote location, you’ll likely have this secret paradise all to yourself.</p>



<p> Tucked in between Halona Point and the Halona Blowhole, the small, rocky Halona Cove is so dramatically picturesque you’ll swear you’ve seen it in a movie. Chances are, you have; it’s been featured in flicks like From Here to Eternity, Pirates of the Caribbean, and 50 First Dates. Somehow, despite its silver screen fame, it remains sparsely visited, perhaps due to the rocky, somewhat treacherous hike required to reach it. Be extremely cautious when swimming—the current is mellow inside the cove itself, but rough once you venture outside of it. </p>



<p>Secret Beach in Maui—not to be confused with Kauai’s Secret Beach—is located just south of the popular Makena Beach, concealed behind a lava rock wall in a quiet residential neighborhood—keep an eye out for the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it sign. Its beauty and serenity might be staggering, but be warned: like Kauai’s Secret Beach, it’s unofficially clothing-optional. (Though with a view like that, you’re unlikely to notice anyone else’s presence).</p>


A man takes a picture from the ice covered harbour wall on Leman Lake in Versoix near Geneva February 5, 2012. Bitterly cold weather sweeping across Europe claimed more victims on Sunday and brought widespread disruption to transport services, with warnings that the chilling temperatures would remain into next week. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse (SWITZERLAND - Tags: ENVIRONMENT) - RTR2XCKC



<p>Largely overlooked by tourists in favor of Oahu, Maui, and Kauai, the island of Lanai itself feels like a secret paradise filled with undeveloped beaches and desert-like landscapes. Polihua Beach feels especially remote, located on Lanai’s wild northwestern coast and accessible only via four-wheel drive. (It's also not somewhere that you should try swimming.) The two-mile sandbar used to be the nesting ground of Hawaiian green sea turtles; they’ve since moved to islands further north, but you’ll likely spot migrating humpback whales between December and April.</p>





A cyclist rides his bicycle on frozen river near Ragana February 5, 2012. Many weather observation stations across Latvia registered new record-cold temperatures on Sunday according to the information from the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins (LATVIA - Tags: SOCIETY ENVIRONMENT) - RTR2XD7A



<p> Located on Oahu’s remote northwest shore, just past Haleiwa, the silky sands of Mokuleia Beach are often empty. Add to that its sheer seclusion—the nearest store or restroom is over ten miles away—and it makes for the perfect tropical island “set” (in fact, the television show Lost filmed its first season on Mokuleia). Though its bright blue waters are almost always choppy, they’re rich with marine life, and you’ll likely find large green sea turtles basking on the shore in the summer months. </p>



A tree covered in frost is pictured in the Alsacian countryside near Strasbourg as sub-freezing winter temperatures hit the country January 12, 2009. REUTERS/Vincent Kessler (FRANCE) - RTR23BDZ



<p>Iceland</p><p> Smack in the middle of the road between the international airport of Iceland and its capital of <a href="http://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-10-06/a-visual-tour-of-reykjavik-iceland?mbid=synd_msntravel">Reykjavik</a> , you'll find the ethereal blue lagoons around which this hotel and spa is centered. At a perfect 100°F year-round, the bright blue geothermal water is a heavenly place to relax—especially if you book one of the spa's in-water treatments. Go there before or after exploring the rest of <a href="http://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-07-25/tips-for-the-ultimate-iceland-road-trip?mbid=synd_msntravel">magical Iceland</a> ; either way, you're sure to emerge in a Zen state of mind. </p>


<p>Matera, Italy</p><p>Have you ever dreamed of spending the night in a cave? I hadn’t either, until I came across the Hotel Sant'Angelo Sassi. Forget about night spent in dark, creepy corners—you’ll be greeted here by opulent canopy beds, cozy candlelight, and oversize bathtubs. In short, it’s a perfect hideaway for relaxing or romancing on your next getaway.</p>



Cracked ice on frozen glacial lake, Abraham Lake, Canadian Rockies, Alberta, Canada



<p>Near Tromsø, Norway</p><p>If seeing the Northern Lights is still on your bucket list, book yourself a sojourn at the Lyngen Lodge in Norway. Wile the day away in the sauna or outdoor Jacuzzi or peruse the cozy library. Later, it's time to move into the central room of the house, where guests gather around the large open stone fireplace and gaze at one of nature's unsurpassed spectacles from behind large panoramic windows.</p>






USA, Minnesota, Winter landscape.



<p>Les Cerniers, Switzerland</p><p>You may have heard of actual ice hotels—but how about camping out in an ultra-luxurious igloo-like tent in the Swiss mountains? At Whitepod, there's just no competing with the comfortable king-size beds and private terraces that offer sweeping views over Lake Geneva lake–unless it’s the the cozy warmth of the authentic woodstoves in each eco-luxury pod.</p>




Icicles melting in the Arctic midnight sun, Baffin Bay, Canada.



1. Da Nang, Vietnam



Aldeyjarfoss, Iceland.



2. Sihanoukville, Cambodia




It was in Saint Moritz, Switzerland, that hotel pioneer Johannes Badrutt created winter tourism as we know it. His son, Caspar, opened the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in the town in 1896, and ski hotels worldwide are still playing catch-up. The rooms and suites are sumptuous, the service is impeccable, and the King’s Club—an ultra-modern disco inferno—is the place to be seen on any night of the week. From $285/night; badruttspalace.com



From cobblestone alleys to busy boulevards, shooting a street scene will give all your friends and family back home a good sense of the place.



Built in grand Scottish Baronial style as a stop on the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Fairmont Banff Springs is surrounded by the scenic Banff National Park. The property is a must-go for skiers venturing to Alberta’s Lake Louise or using Banff as a gateway to the incredible heli-skiing of the nearby mountain ranges. From $319/night; fairmont.com/banff-springs


Traveling around town in a fun new way? Snap that scooter or tuk tuk stat!



<p> Cartagena, a perfectly preserved 17th-century port city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, has had a rough ride over the centuries. From pirates to prostitutes, the city has weathered its fair share of drama — from setting the scene in Gabriel García Márquez's remarkable novels of "magical realism" to the less-remarkable shenanigans of U.S. Secret Service agents in 2012. Tips: Don't take a carriage ride through town, and avoid very late night stumbles through San Diego and Centro. Do, however, explore the up-and-coming Getsemaní neighborhood for its raucous Wednesday-night parties and interesting graffiti art. Further, the chic Viceroy hotel group may deliver a new bolt-hole soon in a converted convent. —David Jefferys</p>



<p> New direct flights into Liberia, in Guanacaste (like JetBlue’s route from Boston), slash the drive time to this resort town, which has attracted the likes of Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady. In Playa Hermosa, Koji’s serves the best sushi and Japanese food in Costa Rica at wooden tables under strings of fairy lights. The ginger pork and super-fresh sushi rolls are a light alternative to plantains and gallo pinto in the heat (506-2640- 0815; entrées from $20). —Alice Newell-Hanson* </p>



<p> I'm very interested in going to Rwanda. The horrific inter-tribal genocide of the 1990s is a thing of the past but still remains the event most identified with this country in the mind of Americans. Instead, it should be more known for its beautiful high-altitude forests, its lakes, and Kigali, its capital city. Paul Kagame, Rwanda's highly effective if controversially autocratic president, is credited with putting the country's economy on the rise. And most of all, I want to see the mountain gorillas in their home in the Virunga Mountains. —SO</p>




<p> Thirteen years and six films later, Peter Jackson’s re-imagining of Tolkien’s tomes is complete. (We think.) As the stand-in for Middle-earth, New Zealand may never be the same again—but now that filming is over, the hobbit-seeking hordes might go elsewhere. Now’s the time to plan a trip to the Milford Sound area in the South Island, outside adventure travel capital Queenstown. Go "tramping" (hiking) along mountain faces, through dense, electric green forests, and past waterfalls (the Routeburn Track is highly recommended)—many of these locations appeared in the Lord of the Rings films. (Milford Sound, for example, stood in for Fangorn Forest.) —Laura Dannen Redman</p>





<p> The islands’ busiest airport, Lynden Pindling International, in Nassau, completed a $410 million expansion last year, and the 988-acre Baha Mar resort opens on Nassau’s Cable Beach in 2015, just in time for spring break. Of the four hotels within the complex, we’re most excited about the Rosewood (1 Baha Mar Blvd.; 242-677- 9750; bahamar.com; doubles from $800) . Play croquet on is U.S.– regulation lawns, then head to the hotel’s Riva Bar for a Dark ’n’ Stormy made with Bahamian rum. —ANH</p>



Vacation is over. The holidays are behind us. Sure, there might be a three-day weekend or two in our future, but after a single day back at work, we feel like January and February are looking, well, challenging. So, let's talk about your next vacation (and no, you shouldn't feel bad about asking for days off so soon into the new year — we suggest you use them!). Grab your favorite swimsuit and pick out one of the 12 destination-worthy spots ahead. (And, hey, even if a January trip isn't in the cards for you, this is pretty good fodder for daydreams.) These stylish seaside properties and lush rainforest spots will allow you to unwind to nature's soothing sound track of breaking waves and distant waterfalls. Which is precisely what precedes true relaxation. Fanned out across the United States, Caribbean, and Mexico, there's something for every work-weary soul here — from wallet-friendly retreats in glitzy locales to cozy inns, chic boutiques, and five-star luxe hotels. Go ahead and take the opportunity to escape — even if it's just mentally.



Costa Rica: The SplurgeLocated on the protected Papagayo Peninsula, the stylish, 153-room Andaz Hyatt is a warm haven of local wood like laurel, cana brava, and pine trees. The grounds are dotted with tropical jicaro trees, and the mod guest rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies, and indoor-outdoor showers to frame and accentuate the region’s beauty. In the mornings, put your core to the test on the stand-up paddleboards, and later submerge yourself in the infinity pools.Andaz Hyatt, Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste; +506-2690-1234.Seasonal Rates (Per Night): From $545.The rates provided are the lowest prices available for a 2-night stay in the first weekend of February at time of publication.



Costa Rica: On A BudgetOn the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica, the charming, intimate, family-run Sueño Del Mar offers a beachfront milieu with an outdoor pool, lush tropical gardens, and palms. The six rooms include handcrafted wood beds draped with gorgeous textiles, whitewashed stone walls, and outdoor Balinese-style showers. A short walk from the hotel affords you a world of surfing, snorkeling, and sunbathing! Oh, breakfast is included.Sueño Del Mar, Playa Langosta, Tamarindo; +506-2653-0284.Seasonal Rates (Per Night): From $220The rates provided are the lowest prices available for a 2-night stay in the first weekend of February at time of publication.





St. Barths: On A BudgetJust steps from the Atlantic’s stunning Lorient Beach, the quiet, affordable eight-room Normandie is decked out in a nautical theme (think porthole doors and Golden Age 1930s Art Deco posters), reflecting the spectacular French ocean liner the S.S. Normandie. Bathrooms include vessel sinks and rain showers. Enjoy breakfast in the small pool garden, offering pastries from the cute La Petite Colombe. In the early evening, sip complimentary wine before venturing out.Normandie, Route de Saline Lorient, 97133; +590-590-276-166.Seasonal Rates (Per Night): From $208The rates provided are the lowest prices available for a 2-night stay in the first weekend of February at time of publication.





St. Barths: The SplurgeSet at the edge of the pristine Flamads Beach, the newly renovated tropical boutique Hotel Taïwana is a haven of 22 individually designed suites with clean, contemporary, white-on-white touches and plank floors. Every room is designed differently and anchored around a charming atrium garden. Of course, you’ll want to hang at the pool deck, surrounded in white with teak canopies and comfortably bright, red lounge beds. Don’t miss lunch at the airy beachfront restaurant.Hotel Taïwana, Anse des Flamands, 97133; +590-590-298-008.Seasonal Rates (Per Night): From $975The rates provided are the lowest prices available for a 2-night stay in the first weekend of February at time of publication.



Anguilla: The SplurgeThe Mediterranean-meets-Caribbean-style Anacaona Hotel is a white stucco structure with pink roof, arches, and West Indian balconies. The 27 bright, airy rooms are dressed with Frette linens and paired with bright yellow and red colors, and Villa Suites have kitchens. There’s easy access to two pools, dense tropical gardens, and a short five-minute jaunt to the gorgeous white-sand beach, Meads Bay.Anacaona Hotel, Anguilla; 877-647-4736.Seasonal Rates (Per Night): From $975The rates provided are the lowest prices available for a 2-night stay in the first weekend of February at time of publication.






Arizona: The SplurgeNestled at the base of the iconic, majestic Camelback Mountain, the Royal Palms is an intimate, serene, 1920s-style oasis with 119 guest rooms and casitas. Rooms seamlessly blend custom-made Mexican- and Spanish-inspired furnishings and four-poster beds. Leisurely stroll the property scattered with lush Egyptian palms, fragrant citrus trees, and babbling fountains. Trust us, you may never want to leave.Royal Palms, 5200 East Camelback Road (between North Rubicon Avenue and Borgatello Lane); 602-840-3610.Seasonal Rates (Per Night): From $513The rates provided are the lowest prices available for a 2-night stay in the first weekend of February at time of publication.




Hawaii: The Splurge Away from Maui's legendary beaches, forgo the crowds. The 24-room Lumeria Maui prides itself on nature, tranquility, wellness, and a New Age lifestyle. The minimalist accommodations feature four-poster beds with luxe Italian linens and are infused with calming nature colors of brown and onyx. Your Japanese-style bathroom is perfect for a rain shower, with its uplifting rosemary-mint Aveda products. Obviously, make time for the bountiful yoga classes.Lumeria Maui, 1813 Baldwin Avenue, Makawao; 808-579-8877.Seasonal Rates (Per Night): From $489The rates provided are the lowest prices available for a 2-night stay in the first weekend of February at time of publication.


Hawaii: On A Budget In the heart of Paia (a North Shore boho-surfer outpost), the small, unfussy, five-room Paia Inn is styled in yellowish hues with Polynesian paintings, bamboo floors, and bathrooms with travertine tile and local, citrusy Love Inside Out amenities. A pleasant, meandering footpath leads to a gorgeous, three-mile stretch of pristine Pacific Ocean, and it’s safe to say you’ll almost want to keep this secret to yourself.Paia Inn, 93 Hana Highway (near Baldwin Avenue); 808-579-6000.Seasonal Rates (Per Night): From $289The rates provided are the lowest prices available for a 2-night stay in the first weekend of February at time of publication.




<p><strong>Where:</strong> Cle Elum, Washington</p><p>Tucked to the east of the Cascades, and sprawling 6,400 acres, <a href="http://www.suncadiaresort.com/">Suncadia Resort </a>is a weekend in the country that delivers constant romantic luxury. All completed within the last decade, Suncadia’s accommodations range from a classic lodge to luxury vacation homes perfect for complete serenity and privacy. The Resort’s <a href="http://www.suncadiaresort.com/spa/vacation-spa-resorts">Glade Spring Spa</a> is a marvel with its rustic wooden structure and infusion of natural rock finishes. The steam rooms, salt soaks, and picturesque hot tub are shortcuts to paradise. Opt for one of the resort’s romance packages for the weekend away and they’ll throw in a $100 dining credit at one of the resort’s fine restaurant options.</p><p><strong>Plan Your Trip:</strong> Visit <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/washington/washington-wine-country/">Fodor’s Washington Wine Country Travel Guide</a></p>




<p><strong>Where:</strong> Little Torch Key, Florida</p><p>Endless sea and sky await in the privacy of your own hideaway at <a href="http://www.littlepalmisland.com/">Little Palm Island Resort & Spa</a>, a one-of-a-kind romantic oasis. Consisting of all suites, the resort caters to guests’ every need, offering amenities that can be added to any stay. Enhance the atmosphere with fun additions such as a martini bar preset in your room, beachside wine and cheese service, and Moroccan bath oils for the luxurious soaking tubs in each suite. Little Palm makes the most of its dreamy setting by offering elaborate turndown service packages that include customized champagne flutes, candlelit suites, and bottles of fine champagne, guaranteeing bliss. Their Valentine’s Day special, Love, Island Style, runs the month of February with highlights including a bottle of Laurent Perrier champagne and a romantic sail across the Keys.</p><p><strong>Plan Your Trip:</strong> Visit <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/florida/the-florida-keys/">Fodor’s Florida Keys Travel Guide</a></p>




<p><strong>Where:</strong> Ojai, California</p><p>Just 90 minutes northwest of Los Angeles, the <a href="http://www.ojairesort.com/">Ojai Valley Inn & Spa</a>, bordering Los Padres National Forest, is a luxury destination specializing in rest and relaxation. Romance is in the air of this modern Spanish Colonial-style complex as the glow of lanterns that dot the gardens provide a welcome warmth. Many of the 305 guestrooms and suites feature fireplaces and private verandas, perfect for a bubbly toast at sunset. Willing to customize to couple’s needs, Ojai offers their signature Pink Moment Turndown service for Valentine’s Day, which includes a rose petal arrangement, a bottle of rosé champagne, and chocolate-covered strawberries.</p><p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> Lavender is the signature scent of Ojai, with blossoms throughout the grounds. Stop by the hotel’s gift shop where custom Ojai lavender creams and lotions make for ideal souvenirs.</p><p><strong>Plan Your Trip:</strong> Visit <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/california/santa-barbara-and-the-central-coast/">Fodor’s Santa Barbara and the Central Coast Travel Guide</a></p>


<p><strong>Where:</strong> Saranac Lake, New York</p><p>Upstate New York’s six-million-acre Adirondack Park is home to the treasured <a href="http://thepointsaranac.com/">The Point Resort</a>, an 11-cabin destination perfect for couples. Individually named and outfitted, each of the luxury units feature a fireplace and ornate country finishes that provide for an ideal oasis. Saranac Lake serves as a picturesque backdrop as the local Fish Creek Pond freezes over for ice skating, ice fishing, and curling. The Point Resort is an adults-only destination, which allows for complete quiet in the forest setting.</p><p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> Plan ahead to bring your favorite spirits for an in-room cocktail party, as the resort’s remote location offers little commerce.</p><p><strong>Plan Your Trip:</strong> Visit <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/new-york/the-adirondacks-and-thousand-islands/">Fodor’s Adirondack Travel Guide</a></p>


<p><strong>Where:</strong> Sunny Isles Beach, Florida</p><p>In between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/florida/miami/review-429849.html">Acqualina Resort & Spa</a>’s Mediterranean-style, oceanfront villa provides peace and quiet for couples wanting to escape the rat race. The towering complex maintains its own pristine 400-foot beach property, complete with 98 hotel rooms and suites. Take note of the 20,000 square foot <a href="http://www.acqualinaresort.com/spa/">ESPA spa</a>, where Roman waterfalls, Finnish saunas, and ice fountains make for a memorable day spent relaxing. A special Valentine’s Day package welcomes couples with a bottle of champagne, an intimate beachfront dinner, and a rose petal turndown.</p><p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> Add a little adventure to your weekend away by stopping at La Dolce Vita Beach Services on the Acqualina grounds, where kayaks are available for rent.</p><p><strong>Plan Your Trip:</strong> Visit <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/florida/">Fodor’s Florida Travel Guide</a></p>




Great Wall of China, Jiankou section, Beijing.




Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, Mill Run, Pennsylvania.





Philip Johnson’s Glass House, New Canaan, Connecticut.




<p><strong>Where:</strong> Washington, Connecticut</p><p><a href="http://www.gracehotels.com/mayflower">The Mayflower Grace</a>, located two hours from New York City, is a treasured country estate that operates as a boutique luxury resort. The 30-room hotel is designed almost completely with white on white finishes, providing a clean and subtle touch of sophistication. A weekend getaway becomes an escape into a winter wonderland as a Valentine’s Day snow adds yet another layer of white to the grounds. Dining at The Mayflower Grace is a romantic experience as <a href="http://www.gracehotels.com/vanderbilt/dining/muse">Muse by Jonathan Cartwright</a> offers elegant seasonal cuisine with local ingredients in a soft and inviting room.</p><p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> Request a room close to the spa as the grounds are spacious and the chilly February air can make your quick jaunt to relaxation a cold one.</p><p><strong>Plan Your Trip:</strong> Visit <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/connecticut/">Fodor’s Connecticut Travel Guide</a></p>


Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster, London.


Musée du Louvre and I. M. Pei’s Pyramide du Louvre, Paris.


Photos of Trail in Wild Movie | Pacific Crest Trail


Photos of Trail in Wild Movie | Pacific Crest Trail




Photos of Trail in Wild Movie | Pacific Crest Trail




Photos of Trail in Wild Movie | Pacific Crest Trail



Photos of Trail in Wild Movie | Pacific Crest Trail



Photos of Trail in Wild Movie | Pacific Crest Trail





Photos of Trail in Wild Movie | Pacific Crest Trail




Photos of Trail in Wild Movie | Pacific Crest Trail



Photos of Trail in Wild Movie | Pacific Crest Trail



Photos of Trail in Wild Movie | Pacific Crest Trail


Photos of Trail in Wild Movie | Pacific Crest Trail





Photos of Trail in Wild Movie | Pacific Crest Trail




<p>This elevated walkway, similar to the High Line in New York City (but older by several years), is an excellent spot to find romance with a bit of peace and quiet. Though it's best to visit during spring or summer, when all the flowers and greenery are in full bloom, it’s still worth a visit in the autumn and winter (be sure to bundle up—and hey, look at it as an opportunity to get closer to your partner).</p>





<p>The daffodil-filled lawns of the Parc des Buttes Chaumonts in northeastern Paris are popular with holiday-makers and animal lovers taking their dogs out for the afternoon. But if you get deeper into the park, you'll stumble upon the unexpected—a romantic waterfall and a grotto that looks as if Aphrodite, the goddess of love, might emerge from it at any second.</p>



All you need to set the scene for a special proposal is a room looking out over the dramatic Piton mountains. A private plunge pool and a four-poster bed round out the romantic ambience at this adults-only resort. Ladera also hosts destination weddings, so you can revisit the moment by saying your vows with the Pitons as your witness.





Kauai, HawaiiThis grotto in Wailua River State Park is cloaked by hanging ferns, with a gentle waterfall nearby. Since the natural formation lends itself to stellar acoustics, musicians are often on hand to perform the Hawaiian Wedding Song, after which you’re asked to kiss the person next to you. (Proposing seems like the obvious next step.) Although you can no longer enter the grotto itself due to storm damage, a viewing platform still lets you enjoy its natural beauty.



Vieques, Puerto Rico In 2008, Guinness World Records named Puerto Mosquito in Puerto Rico the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. Despite its intimidating moniker (Mosquito Bay?), the bay is magical; imagine a proposal at night, when you feel like you're surrounded by starlight. It's also precious, with the lights going out this summer for a period of time. Tread carefully and only on weekends.



Zambia, Southern Africa If you want to go big, skip Niagara Falls and opt for a trip to Victoria Falls instead. Proposing at the edge of this natural wonder—the largest waterfall in the world—with mist rising around you would be breathtaking. Alternatively, if you stay at the nearby Tongabezi Lodge , which was designed with romance in mind, the hotel can arrange a boat ride to Livingstone Island to view the spectacular falls.



<p><strong>Where:</strong> Berlin, Germany</p><p>Originally built in the late 19th century as a private residence for an affluent Berlin family and converted to a hotel in 1911, the meticulously renovated and recently reopened <a href="https://www.designhotels.com/hotels/germany/berlin/hotel-zoo-berlin">Hotel Zoo Berlin</a> has been welcoming prestigious guests for decades. With its intricate carvings on its exterior walls, tall windows, and old world sophistication, the hotel recalls the old-time glamour of the roaring '20s. As one of a handful of buildings that remained untouched during World War II, Hotel Zoo enjoys a stately status in Berlin, which is fitting for a hotel that was purportedly the place to stay for red carpet guests during the Berlin International Film Festival, hosting starlets such as Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren.</p><p><strong>Plan Your Trip:</strong> Visit <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/germany/berlin/">Fodor’s Berlin Travel Guide</a></p>



A Winter rainbow outside Minsk, Belarus, looked like a halo.




People stood beneath an umbrella during heavy snowfall in the Czech Republic.






A man walked through the Orangerie park in Strasbourg, France, on a snowy day.




Dubai, United Arab EmiratesNot only can you ski in a mall, but you can ski in a mall in Dubai. This 242,188-square-foot indoor ski area is located within the Mall of the Emirates and features an indoor mountain with five slopes, including the first indoor black run in the world. If skiing isn't your activity of choice, Ski Dubai also offers indoor toboggan and sled runs, an ice slide, and an ice cave for exploring.



IsraelIn the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and on the religiously significant Mount Hermon is Israel's only spot for skiing—and, at 9,232 feet, Mount Hermon happens to be the highest point in the country. Mount Hermon Ski Resort has been accommodating skiers since 1971 and offers some 28 miles of ski runs, which have varying degrees of difficulty.





Oregon Snow is crucial to the success of a ski resort, and Mount Hood is overachieving in that department. The slopes at Timberline Lodge offer the longest ski season in North America with 12 months of consecutive skiing. The resort also served as the exterior of the hotel in Stanley Kubrick’s classic horror film The Shining. Today, Timberline Lodge is a National Historic Landmark.



<p> Up in the Great White North, Canadians know how to put on fun cold-weather spectacles, too. One of the best options is the <a href="http://carnaval.qc.ca/en/">Quebec Winter Carnival</a> , which stretches from January 30th to February 15th in 2015. Included in the festival village is a huge ice palace in honor of the festival’s snowman mascot, Bonhomme, which in 2014, was located in front of Quebec’s parliament building. The carnival, which spans a little over two weeks, also includes canoe and sleigh races; a night parade; a snow-sculpture-making event; and a snow bath—for those brave enough to take the plunge. </p><p>From January 30 to February 15, 2015.</p>



<p>Mongolia loves ice festivals so much that they have three of them. These include the Golden Eagle Festival, during which Kazakh hunters test their skills with the help of golden eagles; and the Gobi Desert–based Thousand Camel Festival, which features camel races and traditional song and dance. But the ultimate cold-weather event takes place in early March. Known as the “Ice Festival,” the event happens on the frozen-solid Khövsgöl Lake, which covers over 1,000 square miles of northern Mongolia. Festivities include ice skating, dog sledding, horse-sleigh racing, and one of the most popular events, ice-wrestling contests.</p>




<p>The Finnish capital stays lit up well after the sun goes down for its Lux Helsinki festival, which features artwork created by light. The event consists of 17 light-art installations at 13 spots around the city’s center. Some of the most popular include “Lantern Park,” featuring hundreds of beacons hung in the University of Helsinki’s courtyard; and the interactive “Water Light Graffiti” installation, where audience members can create light paintings by brushing LEDs with wetted fingers or a paintbrush. Like the Shetland’s Up Helly Aa, burning stuff makes for a major spectacle, when a local “fire circus” performs in Helsinki’s main Senate Square.</p><p>January 4–8, 2015</p>



throughout Costa Rica What do you get when a longtime adventure-travel outfitter partners with an aerobics shoe maker? Grapevines up a volcano. Also on the agenda: rain forest runs, bicep toning via kayak, and a ropes course in a coffee plantation ( from $3,898 per person for six nights; austinadventures.com/reebok ).



This beautiful tunnel looks like something out of a fairy tale. It's actually still used today - trains chug through it three times a day to deliver wood to a factory. It's believed that if couples who are truly in love hold hands and cross the tunnel, their wishes will come true.



Source: Instagram user ienemienemuttem



The wisteria flower tunnels in Kawachi Fuji Gardens look like something from a fairy tale.



Source: Instagram user bumblebambi


Source: Flickr user LitasWorld



Source: Flickr user Rosemaree's Photos



Source: Flickr user Beverly & Pack



Source: Instagram user toframe



Stay at an Ashram in India



Be sure to find a gondolier who will sing to you.Source: Flickr user yanivba




The new Palm Grove Pool at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.



Snowboarders ski down the hill at the Alyeska Hotel and Resort in Girdwood, Alaska. Mark Thiessen/AP Photo



Waterside romance at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in Florida. Kevin Syms/PRNewsFoto/AP Photo



A cabin at Hidden Pond Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine.



Old Edwards Inn & Spa





Inn at Palmetto Bluff



Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley



Primland, A Blue Ridge Mountain Resort


Amangani Resort



Alaskan Dream Cruises: AlaskaEven non-cruisers dream of taking an Alaskan cruise, but the secret no one tells you is that most of those "Alaskan experiences" are just cliché Caribbean cruises cloaked in a deceptive winter disguise. The Alaskan Dream Cruise is precisely what most people envision when they imagine sailing up north, and this small-ship excursion will not disappoint. The vessel holds no more than 40-60 passengers, and its small size allows it to venture where most cruise ships can't. Stops include actual wilderness experiences in the offbeat communities of Kake, Kasaan, Wrangell, and Petersburg that have only been frequented by naturalists and artisans. The best part? There are no produced shows for entertainment in the evenings or rock walls or even pools on the ship. Guests are encouraged to hang out on the deck watching for wildlife, visit in the lounge, or chill in their rooms relaxing…sans TV.



Ritz-Carlton makes a stylish return to Palm Springs, California, with its Rancho Mirage property, perched in the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains above the Coachella Valley. Opened as a Ritz-Carlton in 1988 and later rebranded, the hotel recently rejoined the company’s portfolio with renovated interiors and two new buildings by SB Architects.



Fashion icon Oscar de la Renta—who was a partner in the Puntacana Resort & Club, where he kept a home—was called upon at the beginning of the year to redecorate Tortuga Bay Hotel, one of the properties within the 15,000-acre community. Known for his sophisticated style in both fashion and decor, the late designer was a great supporter of his native Dominican Republic. The one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom suites, which are housed in 13 villas, are luxuriously simple. Patterned fabrics from the Oscar de la Renta line for Lee Jofa add interest to the classic furnishings, which are made of natural materials such as mahogany, wicker, and rattan.





<p><strong>Where:</strong> Tsim Sha Tsui</p><p>Care for a killer view with your morning swim? Look no further than <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/asia/china/hong-kong/review-41226.html">The Peninsula Hong Kong</a>, where the pool is decorated with Greco-Roman–inspired columns and friezes that appear in sharp contrast to the ultramodern skyscrapers across the harbor. When the weather is nice, the pool’s glass doors open up to allow for unimpeded views of Hong Kong Island. There’s also an outdoor terrace where you can take it all in when you’re done with your laps.</p><p><strong>Plan Your Trip:</strong> Fodor’s <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/asia/china/hong-kong/">Hong Kong Travel Guide</a></p>





<p><strong>Where:</strong> Southside</p><p>One underappreciated aspect of Hong Kong is that in less than an hour, you can travel from its hectic center to tranquil stretches of sand fronting brilliantly blue, balmy waters. And while there’s no shortage of beautiful beaches here, the one at <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/asia/china/hong-kong/review-479612.html">Shek O</a> stands out for its scenery. That’s because the island of Ng Fan Chau rises dramatically from the water just offshore; farther in the distance is Sung Kong and Waglan Island, both members of the Po Toi Islands.</p><p><strong>Plan Your Trip:</strong> Fodor’s <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/asia/china/hong-kong/">Hong Kong Travel Guide</a></p>






<p>Though its real name is Kauapea, this empty, half-mile stretch of sand is better known among locals as Secret Beach. The name fits: Nestled between Kalihiwai Bay and Kilauea Point, it’s located far off the tourist track and accessible only by a rocky unmarked trail. Lava rocks border the beach on both sides and jutting red cliffs cloaked by lush vegetation and cascading waterfalls form a dramatic backdrop. Be warned: though public nudity is illegal in Hawaii, the far east side of the beach is unofficially clothing-optional.</p>





<p> Tucked in between Halona Point and the Halona Blowhole, the small, rocky Halona Cove is so dramatically picturesque you’ll swear you’ve seen it in a movie. Chances are, you have; it’s been featured in flicks like From Here to Eternity, Pirates of the Caribbean, and 50 First Dates. Somehow, despite its silver screen fame, it remains sparsely visited, perhaps due to the rocky, somewhat treacherous hike required to reach it. Be extremely cautious when swimming—the current is mellow inside the cove itself, but rough once you venture outside of it. </p>






<p>Secret Beach in Maui—not to be confused with Kauai’s Secret Beach—is located just south of the popular Makena Beach, concealed behind a lava rock wall in a quiet residential neighborhood—keep an eye out for the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it sign. Its beauty and serenity might be staggering, but be warned: like Kauai’s Secret Beach, it’s unofficially clothing-optional. (Though with a view like that, you’re unlikely to notice anyone else’s presence).</p>





5. Bodrum City, Turkey



7. Hurghada, Egypt



8. Kazan, Russia





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Vdiç shkrimtari dhe avokati i njohur dardan Zeqir Berdynaj (1934-2025)

Zeqir A. Berdynaj, u lind më 6 qershor 1934, në Firzë, ish katundi i Ri i komunës së Pejës.  Shkollën fillore dhe të mesmen e kreu në vendli...