One of the world’s most sacred and interesting places to visit is Borobudur Temple in the Kedu Plain in the center of the beautiful island of Java in Indonesia. It’s the home of a Buddhist temple in the shape of a lotus flower.

History

The Borobudur ruin, a Buddhist temple, or Stupa, is in the Mahayana tradition and is the largest Buddhist monument in the world. It was built in 750 AD. It’s a three-dimensional mandala, or diagram of the universe, which serves as a visual representation of Buddhist teachings.

No one knows who built this temple or why it was built. It is believed that it took 75 years to build. For many centuries the ruins lay buried beneath layers of volcanic ash. No one knows why Borobudur was deserted but it is speculated that there was a widespread famine after the eruption of Mount Merapi which forced those living in Central Java to move away.

In 1814 Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles rediscovered the temple, after having heard that there was a hill full of carved stones in the area. It was finally cleared in 1835. There have been efforts made to restore the temple since then, although much was lost when the Dutch colonial government gifted the visiting King of Siam, in 1896, with reliefs, statues, stairs, and gates from the temple.

In 1991, Borobudur was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It has been returned, through restoration, to much of its former glory and is a destination today for Buddhist pilgrimage.

Visiting the Site

Borobudur is made up of over two million stone blocks. Some scholars of Buddhism think that the temple is, in fact, a “textbook” meant to show people how to achieve enlightenment. It takes a two mile walk to view all of the galleries of reliefs that illustrate the life of Buddha and the principles of his teachings.

The original first level of Borobudur is a base which is hidden. It is believed that there was a landfall during the original building of the temple which threatened the integrity of the structure. The first level was then closed and made into a base to steady Borobudur.

The first level, Kamadhatu, pictures the world of passion and the laws of karma. It features 117 panels.

The reliefs of the Rupadhatu level show stories based on the manuscripts of the Lalitavistara, Jataka-Avadana, and Gandavyuha. The story of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha is shown on the Lalitavistara reliefs.

The Jataka shows a collection of stories of Buddha’s previous reincarnation.

How to Get to Borobudura

Fly to Yogyakarta from Jakarta or Bali – there are several flights a day – and it’s about an hour from either. Then rent a car with a driver in Yogyakarta for about $35 for the day.

Where to Stay

Should you decide to stay the night near Borobudar Temple, local accommodations are somewhat limited. The Manohara Resort offers rooms with a private balcony and is a five minute walk to the temple. All rooms are air-conditioned and have a well-appointed bathroom. The hotel offers a tour desk which organizes excursions to local tourist attractions. There is also an on-site restaurant. And airport shuttle and car rental facilities are available. It has 30 rooms.

Amsterdam is one of the most exciting travel destinations in the western hemisphere! There are more wonderful things to do than any visitor could experience in one visit, the accommodations are luxurious, and the food is world-class – it’s a very exciting city. Known as the Venice of the North, Amsterdam is famous as the home of over 1300 bridges that take one over Amsterdam’s scenic canals and waterways.

Visit the Rijksmuseum to see Rembrandt’s “Night Watch” and other Old Masters such as Vermeer, Frans Hals and Jan Steen. Spend time at the Van Gogh Museum which houses the largest collection of Van Gogh’s in the world. The Anne Frank House, where Anne Frank wrote her diary during WWII is in Amsterdam.

Another Amsterdam attraction its notorious red light district, the most famous red light district in the world. In fact, Amsterdam is home to three different districts. Day visitors will see that the De Wallen district in center city is also one of the oldest parts of Amsterdam and home to beautiful houses and canals.

Visit Gassan Diamonds for free guided tours of some of the most dazzling diamonds in the Netherlands and perhaps pick up a sparkly memento of your visit. You can pick a diamond and have it set within an hour’s time!

Visit Amsterdam for more than diamond shopping. Amsterdam is a shopper’s paradise. Visit the Albert Cuyp Market to shop for everything from food to clothing at excellent prices.

Book your tickets for a vacation between May and September when the weather is best and the city is geared up for an influx of tourists. Sit by the canals in the warmth of summer or take a bike trip around the city. If you’d like to see the daffodils, come in April and stay into May for the tulips! The famous Keukenhof Flower Exhibition runs from March into May and is well worth a day trip! And don’t miss the Singel flower market which is right in Amsterdam.

The food in Amsterdam is delectable! Visit Le Restaurant, run by Michelin acclaimed Chef Jan de Wit, which offers amazing European fare in a small and intimate atmosphere in Leidesplein, in the Latin Quartier. Be sure to make reservations to enjoy a pre fixe 5 course menu and lots of wine by young, up-and-coming winemakers. You’ll find many excellent restaurants in Leidesplein.

Memories of India is another wonderful dining choice. Envelop yourself in the chic, intimate atmosphere of Memories of India while dining on the most fabulous Indian food in Amsterdam. Enjoy the hearty fare of the north to the rich Moghlai dishes of central India or the spicy dishes of the south. This restaurant brings together all the best dishes of India. Enjoy a romantic dinner for two or bring a group. Just be sure to make reservations – this tiny restaurant only offers seating for 80 diners.

Stay at the Hotel de L’Europe, a five star luxury hotel overlooking picturesque canals in Amsterdam’s city center. The hotel’s rich history dating back to 1895 gives it a certain romantic appeal.  Dutch Masters Wing, a newly opened all-suite annex is home to 23 boldly designed quarters.  The original Rondeel building, the main section of this gorgeous hotel in undergoing renovation, opening this spring.

The Hotel de L’Europe offers its own fine dining restaurant, Bord’Eau, as well as Freddy’s Bar– a good place to stop for a Heineken after visiting Amsterdam’s Heineken Experience.   The Cigar Lounge and De L’Europe Spa are also opening this year.

Be sure to ask us about our fabulous Amsterdam packages when planning  your visit!

For women travelling alone the idea of a hotel that offers a woman’s only floor can be very appealing.  To have a place she can relax and find services that cater to what women truly wants is a now a focus of some hotels. They have come to appreciate how much women who have to travel alone truly will value the comfort and security of such an environment that is safe and respects their needs.

There are several places around the world were hotels have created such havens for women in their walls.  The Ellis Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia offers a floor set aside just for women.  Others such as the Naumi Hotel in Singapore, the Premier Hotel in New York City and the Luthan Hotel and Spa in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia have floors just for women guests. Each has its own unique amenities designed to respect the needs of woman travelers.  This will involve things like choosing decors and furnishings that would have a feminine touch.  There are some that also include items like a yoga mat, curling irons, even “women’s magazines” for the benefit of their female guest.  In the Artemisia Hotel in Berlin, Germany they even have a gallery that features the art of women artists.

To women traveling alone being able to check into a hotel that has devoted time to truly being sensitive to their needs is one benefit so many women would appreciate.  Those hotels that have taken time to create an atmosphere and climate that can help reduce any problems of travel for a woman will be ones that can expect a great response.  They go beyond just offering rooms, they provide a haven for women that can allow for relaxing with extra little niceties making the stay special.

Among the different items that you might expect to find from luxury hotels with women only floors these days would be an oversized bathtub specifically helpful for soaking. Some will even offer a stool at the stink so a woman can sit down while putting on makeup.  Other things you might enjoy would be vanity kits and nail files found in some accommodations.  There would be the benefit of bath salts and flat irons to add to the convenience of your stay.  In addition with some hotels in the more exotic and scenic locales they will offer women only activities.  You could expect to have a chance enjoy surfing lessons when in Puerto Vallarta or try printmaking classes if you visit Carmel-by-the-sea.

Each women who has a chance to stay at a hotel with floors just for the ladies will discover such variety in terms of the options they might experience.  It allows for some wonderful occasion during travel where can look forward to a cuisine that is respectful of any diet concerns.  That is why such hotels continue to grow in demand by single women travelers.  Those added perks, which turn a night’s stay into a real journey of calming experiences, will bound to remain in high demand by single women travelers.

It doesn’t matter whether you are planning a dream trip, a once in a lifetime trip to paradise or this is going to be one of countless.  If you are seeking to make it memorable and special then choosing a luxury airline can be your best option.  Each of these carriers is committed to providing their passengers an experience in the air that is truly unique.  The amenities offered by each airline will enhance your journey as an extra level of comfort and satisfaction to give the trip a level of quality worth the price of the ticket.  So here is a review of the top five luxury airlines for your consideration when you are ready to make a reservation for your flight.

Etihad Airlines If you are looking for the pleasure of privacy with maximum comfort then this is an ideal choice.  They offer five different trip classes that include the option of a Diamond Class Suite, which provides a wonderful selection of passenger comfort to compliment the privacy it features. You can enjoy the benefit of a mini bar, massage chair and other amenities to give your flight a very personal quality that will linger in your mind long after you have landed. The Diamond Class as well as the Pearl Class both offer lie-flat beds for your relaxation on long flights.

Emirates Airlines As a passenger on Emirates Airlines you’ll truly feel you are being treated as royalty.  They offer private cabins with doors and there is even a full shower in your room.  Emirates have worked very hard to assure their passengers have the maximum in comfort and relaxation during their flight.  With their gourmet quality cuisine and in flight entertainment features you will discover no single aspect of your needs has been overlooked by their services.  It will make for the ultimate in traveling experience that has inspired many to choose them for future tickets after flying with them.

Air New Zealand As an airline committed to constantly improving its service and amenities, Air New Zealand is continuing its efforts to expand and enhance its quality.  They have begun to offer new classes of service, focused on adding more routes and destinations to their options and concentrated on making sure their cuisine truly is unique and satisfying.  With all their desire to satisfy it is obviously expressed in the way they provide passengers such pleasing amenities.  It is not surprise why they are always among the highest rating by passengers for travel satisfaction.  From their attention to every detail of your trip you will truly come away with a very rewarding experience.

Singapore Air If you looking for luxury air flight you will not find it more emphasized than on a flight with Singapore Air Airlines.  Their amenities in first class includes Skysuites that offer all the luxuriant qualities you would want..  Another amenity afforded to the same first class passenger would be Bvlgari toiletry kits.  It is one more ways they show how they truly want you to feel their luxury when boarding their plane. They also provide where you can order your meal in advance of your flight to compliment your trip.

Swiss International Airlines This is an airline with a tradition for both courtesy and efficiency.  For the flyer, Swiss International Airlines is one that provides the kind of traveling experience that you will treat as a most amazing journey.  Beyond their incredible options in terms of dining choices, they also provide Sprüngli chocolates, duty-free onboard shopping and La Prairie toiletries as part of their amenities.  Those offer a special flare of personalization to your trip that you just won’t find with other options.  That is why they have been rated as one of the most satisfying means of traveling by air from any of those passengers that have chosen them for flying.

For more information on packages or to book your next flight, you can contact us here or call us at 866-365-8747.

Increase your profit and increase employee retention and productivity as well by working with our professional agents to plan a fabulous reward of travel to one of the top five incentive travel destinations.  The relaxation of the sun drenched shores of the Caribbean, Mexico, or Bermuda will beckon to your employees and urge them to meet the goals you’ve set for them.  Or maybe you’ll entice your customers to spend their dollars with your company by sending them on an adventurous retreat in Canada or a world-class tour of Europe.  No matter the choice, travel is a great motivator and we have the right connections for you and your employees or customers.

If sun and sand are your destination of choice to reward your employees or to impress your customers, there are three fabulous options to choose from.  The Caribbean, with its festive spirit and gorgeous beaches, are one prime spot to do so.  Gansevoort Turks & Caicos Resort and Spa is one of our favorite places to spoil your employees and customers when you send them to the Caribbean.  Listed as one of the top ten trendiest hotels, they are sure to provide a memorable experience and continuing inspiration for your incentive vacation target.

Mexico is another top incentive vacation destination.  Your guests will be smitten with their stay at Zoëtry Casa Del Mar.  Relaxing massages on the beach shaded by a charming thatched roof or simply digging their toes in the stunning white sands beside turquoise waters, the memory will be poetry by the sea.

On the hot list of top new hotels and travel incentive destinations is another of our partners, Tucker’s Point Hotel and Spa in beautiful Bermuda.  Only 90 minutes from many eastern U.S. cities, Bermuda is a luxurious getaway that your employees and customers will be sure to enjoy.  All of these destinations offer gorgeous views of the ocean, rooms and spa experiences that will pamper your guests, adventures from diving to zip-lining, and sports such as golfing.  You can’t go wrong with any of these three top incentive travel destinations when you’re looking for sunshine and relaxation.

Of course, if winter fun is more your style then we can help you with that as well.  The site of the 2010 Winter Olympics, the Whistler Blackcomb Mountains and the Four Seasons Resort Whistler offer everything the outdoors enthusiast could want in the way of year round outdoor adventure from skiing to hiking to kayaking or biking.  They will also enjoy being pampered in the hotel spa, dining on delicious cuisine, or resting up from their adventures in a modern yet rustic room.

European travel is another of the top five incentive travel options.  The Baglioni Hotel will be a delightful base of operations for a possible once-in-a-lifetime experience.  Customers and employees alike will find world-class dining and luxury as they explore centuries-old European treasures of history and culture.

Regardless of which of these top five incentive travel destinations you choose to offer your employees or customers, they will be inspired by the experience.  Let us help you put together a program to meet your needs today.  For more information on our incentive travel programs give us a call at 866-365-8747.