Summer dreaming – Part one
With summer now here (we apologize to our readers from the Southern hemisphere shivering in front of heaters) thoughts naturally turn to exciting and interesting places in the world to visit. In this post, we’re taking a close look at two unique properties, the Raffles Praslin Seychelles and Hilton Windhoek. With guest security and convenience top of mind, both locations installed Safemark safes this past year. So let’s take a closer look at those two properties as you let your mind wander with thoughts of sandy beaches, warm winds and blue skies…
Paradise… pristine white sandy beaches, surrounded by the blue waters of the Indian ocean, the Raffles Praslin Seychelles is a blissfully secluded touch of luxury designed to ease away all the stresses of the year..
The property was named as one of the best new hotels in the world on the Conde Nast Traveller Hot List 2012 and deservedly so.
Their hotel safe of choice? Safemark’s E5.1 which is large enough to accommodate your 17” laptop when you lock away the work and relax with all Seychelles has to offer.
Likely the most iconic symbol of Seychelles, the coco de mer is the world’s heaviest nut that grows high on palms within the forests of Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The protected National Park is a natural habitat for the coco de mer palms that can live up to 400 years. Vallée de Mai is also home to many endemic species, with the Black Parrot being one of the world’s rarest birds only to be found in Seychelles. Is this the original Garden of Eden as many claim? A visit is a must for every traveler to Praslin.
A DHC-6 Twin Otter will fly you between Praslin and the main island of Mahe and the capital of Victoria, the world’s tiniest capital and the cultural and economic hub of the nation. If you are dreaming of a golden tan then the Seychelles could be your answer. With 65 beaches on Mahe alone, finding yourself a deserted beach should be easy as you dip into the crystal clear ocean to cool off. For the more adventurous, Mahe is the right place for unforgettable diving in waters teeming with marine life and spectacular underwater landscapes.
For more information on the Seychelles check this site http://www.seychelles.travel/en/home/index.php
Beau Vallon Beach located on the Island of Mahe, Seychelles
Still in Africa but a very different kind of holiday awaits you in the nation of Namibia. The newly opened Hilton Windhoek hotel, situated in the heart of the capital city of Windhoek, is the perfect jump off point for a holiday in this African nation. The hotel consists of 150 rooms and suites (including a presidential suite used by the President of Namibia when he officially opened the property). The hotel is ideal for business travelers as well as eco and cultural tourists with its location in the centre of Windhoek.
During the day, the city center has a European café culture feel that is both laid-back and eclectic. The pedestrian precinct with its bustling shops and market stalls, makes for great people watching. Due to Namibia’s complex and intertwined history, you will see people of all colors and cultures.
“Safemark is a preferred supplier of electronic hotel safes for Hilton Worldwide and being chosen for their first Namibian property is a great achievement,” said Jennifer Ferris, Vice President Sales, Asia Pacific & Middle East. “We see strong growth potential in the continent as a whole and Southern Africa in particular with the advent of tourism, regional and international business travel.”
They say some places have to be seen to be believed and Namibia has its fair share of amazing scenery..
“The Skeleton Coast is one of those places that captures my imagination and is high on my travel wish list,” said Jennifer. “Its famed rugged beauty is something I want to experience with the opportunity to catch a glimpse of African wildlife.”
Once upon a time, the entire coastline of Namibia was called The Skeleton Coast. Today, the moniker mostly refers to the Skeleton National Park, which stretches the northern one-third of Namibia’s shore. The landscape in the park ranges from windswept dunes to rugged canyons with walls of richly colored volcanic rock and extensive mountain ranges.
The park’s ominous name is well earned given the scores of shipwrecks littering the beaches – the work of the Benguela Current, dense fog, and rough surf. Bleached whale and seal bones are also visible back from days when the whaling industry was active. But despite its appearance, the Skeleton National Park houses a great variety of species with its borders – big cats, desert-adapted elephant, black rhino, and many more.
For more information on the Skeleton Coast http://www.skeletoncoastsafaris.com/ and for Namibia in general try http://www.namibiatourism.com.na/
While you enjoy your warm summer days, tell us about the places that top your travel wish list..