Tag Archives: Destination

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Visiting Sydney’s Hyde Park Area

Hyde Park

The oldest public parkland in Australia, Hyde Park can be found in Sydney’s central business district, and stretches out for just over 40 acres. Whether you are seeking some history and culture, or simply want a breath of fresh air away from the bustle of the city, here are some of the highlights of Sydney’s Hyde Park and its surrounding area.

Archibald Fountain and War Memorials
The Archibald Fountain is most definitely the centerpiece of Hyde Park, with wide fig tree-lined pathways leading up to it, which in itself is quite the spectacle. The fountain commemorates the collaboration between Australia and France during World War I, with the Greek mythology creatures surrounding the fountain emphasizing this. The park is also home to a few war memorials, such as the Anzac War Memorial, which is Art Deco in style, and features a photographic exhibition on World War I, as a tribute to the Anzac soldiers who died at this time. On the western side of the park is the 22-meter tall Obelisk, which was erected in 1857 and is decorated with delicate Egyptian features. Another interesting monument can be found at the south of the park, and is titled Yinimadyemi – Thou Didst Let Fall. This public artwork piece is an acknowledgment to the services provided by Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders in the Australian Defence Force.

A Game of Chess
Located at the St. James Station side of the park, the giant chess set has always been popular, and is a throwback to the park’s original sporting days. This life-sized board, along with its life-sized pieces, are perfect for a quick and social game of chess, whether you bring your own partner along, or challenge one of the other players already there.

Fountain

The Australian Museum
Just off of the east side of Hyde Park, the Australian Museum is the oldest museum in the country, and has quite the international reputation when it comes to anthropology and natural history. The museum’s permanent collection is vast, with some of the exhibit highlights including Indigenous Australia, More Than Dinosaurs, Mineral Collections and Insects. There are also always rotating temporary exhibitions held here, meaning that there will always be something new to see each time you visit.

The Hyde Park Barracks Museum
Originally designed by a convict architect in 1818, the Hyde Park Barracks Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that teaches the public about Australia’s convict past. Many of the exhibitions here are interactive, and there are several designed specially for children, such as the Unlocking Heritage program, which allows them to wear convict clothing and sleep in the hammocks in the barrack, to help them really experience what life was like at this time.

At one point in time, the land on which Hyde Park sits was a racecourse and sporting ground, filled with action and noise throughout the year. While its sporting days may be long over, the park still holds a place in the heart of locals, providing a green oasis in the heart of the city.

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Unique Attractions in Pismo Beach

Located on the Central Coast of California, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Pismo Beach is a quintessential Californian beach town. Whether you are seeking outdoor adventure or the chance to be at one with nature, these are a few of the unique attractions to be found in Pismo Beach.

Pismo Beach

State Parks
Pismo Beach is home to two of California’s finest state parks, both of which give visitors the opportunity to get closer to nature. The Montana de Oro State Park features over 8000 acres of sandy beaches, coastal plains, canyons and hills, and is known for being one of the largest state parks in California, while the Morro Bay State Park is home to the Museum of Natural History, as well as a vibrant marina and plenty of outdoor activities.

The Monarch Butterfly Grove
Each year between October and February, thousands of orange and black Monarch butterflies head to Pismo Beach to shelter from the freezing winters up north. On average, around 25,000 butterflies can be found here each year, making it one of the largest colonies in the country. The butterflies gather in the limbs of native Eucalyptus trees, forming a tight cluster to protect each other from the wind and the rain.

Sunset

Skim Boarding
While surfing and skateboarding may both be iconic Californian sports, skim boarding is quite unique to Pismo Beach, and is basically a mix of the two. Riders wait at the shore with their skim board in hand, and, as soon as a wave breaks, they skim across the surface of the water, which is only a few inches deep. For those who have never skim boarded before, Pismo Beach is a great spot to give this a try, with boards available for rental at the Pismo Beach Surf Shop.

Biplane Rides
For those who want unbeatable views of Pismo Beach’s rugged coastline, a biplane ride is an absolute must, and can be found at Oceano Airport. Offered by Banner Airways, visitors are able to enjoy a ride in the open cockpit of a biplane that dates back to WWII, which was the same aircraft that was used to train American pilots. There are a range of rides available, from the serene and picturesque to the exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping, all of which offer views that cannot be found elsewhere.

Pismo beach with surfers

Oceana Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
Located just three miles south of Pismo Beach, the Oceana Dunes SVRA is the only state park in California that allows vehicles to be driven on the beach. This is an extremely unique park that offers an off-road adventure to visitors, with 5.5 miles of beach, and 1500 acres of sand dunes, to be explored. In addition to racing around on off road vehicles, there are many other activities to be found here at the Dunes, from surfing and swimming to bird watching and horseback riding, the latter of which is best done at sunset.

Pismo Beach is a one-of-a-kind destination, and it has plenty of unique attractions to match this. From skim boarding to biplane rides, this is a great area to visit if you want to try something new, while exploring one of the most spectacular parts of the Californian coast line.

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Plan the Perfect Yoga Retreat – OROGOLD Reviews

If developing your yoga skills can take you to nirvana, imagine the feeling of experiencing nirvana in a setting that makes you feel as though you are in paradise. Ten or so years ago, the options for yoga retreats would have been few, with the main ones located in India, but now, the vast array of choices in every country around the world can often be slightly overwhelming. OROGOLD brings you our top tips on how to plan the perfect yoga retreat.

Woman enjoying an outdoor session of yoga

Choose a Destination
Choosing a destination is the best way to begin narrowing down your options. The United States has plenty of great locations for yoga retreats, from the tropical beaches of Hawaii to the isolated mountains of Colorado. Many Canadian yoga retreats consist of a canoe trip into the waterways of the wilderness, where you can meditate in nature before camping under the stars for the night. If you are hoping to travel a bit further, take a look at Bali, New Zealand, Nepal and Peru. There are also yoga retreats in Switzerland that combine the yoga vacation with hiking across the snowy peaks of the alps and swimming in the pristine mountain lakes.

Silhouette of a woman doing yoga in a yoga ashram.

Choose Your Yoga Intensity
Yoga retreats hugely vary when it comes to the amount of yoga that you actually do. There are plenty of resort hotels that offer casual yoga classes, and since these are located in popular tourist spots, it means you can combine plenty of other activities into your yoga retreat. Alternatively, if you are looking for something more intensive and yoga-focussed, there are different ashrams, or spiritual communities, at which you would spend the majority of the day engaging in yoga and meditation activities. In the middle of the spectrum lie the larger yoga retreat centers, offering a wide assortment of courses for two or three hours a day. The rest of the day is usually spent in other instructional activities, or in meditation, and there will also be some allotted time for recreational activities. These centers usually attract crowds, which is great if you are looking to meet like-minded people, but not so good if you were hoping to be somewhere more secluded and isolated.

Group of travelers doing yoga in a retreat.

Travel in Groups
When it comes to yoga retreats, it is usually cheaper, as well as more fun, to travel in groups, so it is usually best to speak to your friends and find out who else is up for a yoga adventure. If nobody that you know shares your interests, you can often book a shared room at yoga retreats. Chances are that you and your new roommates will have plenty of shared interests, making it a great way to meet like-minded people and make friends for life.

When planning a yoga retreat, make sure that your main objective is to find somewhere rejuvenated, healthier and happier, as you don’t want to be left feeling as though you need a vacation to recover from your vacation. There are yoga retreats that cater to all levels of yoga ability, so OROGOLD recommends doing some thorough research to find the yoga destination that is perfect for you.

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OROGOLD’s Timeless Destinations: The United Kingdom

Sunset views of Big Ben and Palace of Westminster, UK

The United Kingdom, comprising of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, is a patchwork of fascinating history and modern culture. London, the capital city, is hugely influential all over the globe, and has a whole host of attractions that are bound to enthrall visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Although most people head straight for the bright lights of the city, the UK has some truly timeless hidden gems that OROGOLD wants to share with you, from charming countryside villages steeped in history and tradition to soaring snow-capped mountains on an isolated Scottish island.

Dockens Water, New Forest National Park, Hampshire.

The New Forest, Hampshire
The New Forest, created to be royal hunting grounds in 1079 for King William I, is anything but new, and was once part of a primeval forest that covered the whole of southern England. Today, it is a national park that measures over 93,000 acres with woodlands, scrubland, open heaths and more, and enjoys unique laws and privileges, making it one of OROGOLD’s favorite rural playgrounds in England. The New Forest is home to plenty of wildlife, but the most popular are the New Forest ponies, who roam semi-wild around the area. Several species of local deer can also be spotted, darting in between the ancient oak and beech trees. The quaint and picturesque countryside villages are also not to be missed, with Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst being two of the more popular ones.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

Isle of Skye, Scotland
The Isle of Skye, part of the Inner Hebridean islands of Scotland, saw its first settlers in 4000 BC, and underwent Viking colonization from 700 AD onwards. Although the area went through significant historical turmoil, and changed hands many times, the locals fiercely clung on to their language, traditions and way of life. Skye’s more alluring attraction is its scenery, and the sparkling lochs, towering cliffs and mountains of all shapes and sizes form some of the most dramatic scenery, making it no surprise that it was recently given the title of 4th Best Island in the World by National Geographic. Since the majority of tourists tend to stay at the quaint towns of Portree and Trotternish, it is easy to find corners of the island where you can get away from it all, and have the majestic landscape all to yourself. When the mist begins to set in and you need to warm up, there are plenty of historic castles, museums, whisky distilleries and local pubs to keep you occupied.

Lake Buttermere, Lake District. Cumbria, England

The Lake District
The Lake District, a region and national park in Northwest England, is the most popular national park in the country, welcoming over 15 million visitors a year. With its landscape reminiscent of fairy-tale postcard panoramas, it is easy to see why many Romantic poets ended up settling in the area in the 19th century. The region has plenty of literary connections, with its craggy hilltops and glittering lakes providing inspiration to the likes of Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. Lake cruises are a great way to explore the area, or, for a more unique birds-eye view, a Tree Top Trek will have you gliding through the canopies of the ancient oak woodland, giving you unobstructed views of Lake Windermere.

Although the cities of the UK may receive the most visitors, the timeless magic of this charming country can only be truly experienced in the majestic countryside. Traveling through the UK is like a journey through history, giving you a better glimpse into the extraordinary eccentricity that makes the UK so intriguing.

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Incredible Destinations of 2015 – OROGOLD Reviews

Each year, the travel industry puts different destinations under the spotlight, giving travelers the opportunity to choose from a wider range of exciting experiences. It can sometimes be almost impossible to come to a decision on where to go, so take a look at our picks for some of the most incredible destinations of 2015 to help you make your choice.

The Tiger Nest Monastery in Bhutan.

Bhutan
Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the eastern edge of the Himalayas, is a country packed with ancient monasteries, fortresses and dramatic landscapes, from steep mountains to sub-tropical plains. It is a country that measures its output not by GDP, but by GNS – Gross National Happiness. The law in Bhutan states that at least 60% of the land must remain forested, making it a great destination for nature lovers. Many of the crystal clear rivers and towering mountains are some of the most untouched parts of the Himalayas, giving it magical atmosphere that is full of promises of adventure.

Sunset views of the Red Sea Shore close to Djibouti.

Djibouti, Africa
Djibouti, the 8th smallest country in Africa, has been overlooked by many travelers until recently. Now, its delicious cuisine, gorgeous landscapes and wide range of adventure activities has begun to bring in the tourists. One of the most popular activities is to splash around in Lac Assal, Africa’s version of the Dead Sea. Measuring 155 meters below sea level, it is the lowest point on the continent, and is surrounded by a looming ring of dormant volcanoes. Other popular attractions are the waterfall-packed Goda Mountains and snorkeling with the whale sharks at the Bay of Ghoubbet.

The traditional Qintai Road district in Chengdu, China.

Chengdu, China
Chengdu is most famous for its 1600 pandas, most of whom still live in the wild. The city has three major panda research facilities, and to make it more convenient for tourists to come and visit, Chengdu has introduced a 72 hour no-visa policy. The best months to visit the bears are between June and October, and there are plenty of other attractions to keep you busy too. The New Century Global Center is the largest building in the world, and even has its own artificial beach, and the unspoiled bamboo forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is definitely worth a visit.

A monument in Malmo, Sweden.

Malmö, Sweden
This Swedish city is beginning to make its mark on the food world, and is a must-visit for any foodies out there. Thanks to a food-obsessed public, Malmö has attracted some extremely talented young chefs, who push boundaries with their dishes and offer some incredible tasting menus. With at least 150 different nationalities living in the city, the cosmopolitan nature balances out its Nordic traditions perfectly, and the exotic Middle Eastern street food stalls next to the hipster skateboard parks only add to the vibrancy of the city.

It is always exciting to visit a new location, and 2015 sees some truly incredible places beginning to welcome more tourists. From the happiest country in Asia to the culinary creations of Northern Europe, these destinations are only just beginning to emerge as popular tourist hotspots, so make the most of their untouched magic now.

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Location Spotlight: Mexico – OROGOLD Reviews

Beautiful image of the stairs of a Mayan temple.

Mexico, birthplace to one of the world’s great civilizations, will never fail to tantalize all of your senses with its rich history and culture, colonial towns, delicious food, and sprawling white sandy beaches. Mexico offers a whole host of attractions, from exploring Meso-american ruins to diving into freshwater sinkholes in the Yucatan Peninsula to taking advantage of the golf courses of Los Cabos.

Mexico, with its vast coastlines of over 10000km, has different climates in its various regions. The northern areas of Mexico has a Mediterranean climate, with warm dry summers, although the mountainous regions tend to be colder. As you travel further south, you will experience a sub-tropical climate, and then a tropical desert climate. The summer months are also the rainy season, so the best time to visit would be around November.

Mexico is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world with great scenery and landscapes for those who want to explore the high, rugged mountains, the tropical rainforests or the vast desert plains. Travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures will fall in love with all that Mexico has to offer, with hand-gliding in Hidalgo, canyoning in Veracruz, volcano climbing, caving and river rafting being just some of the activities that attract adrenaline junkies. Nature lovers should head to Baja California for whale watching, or go trekking through the jungle ending up at the vibrant blue lagoons of Guatemala.

The rich sense of history and heritage is present anywhere you go in , and some of the ancient archaeological wonders, such as the pre-Colombian pyramids, are a fascinating way to learn more about the country. If you want to visit well-preserved Spanish towns, Guanajuato and Dolores Hidalgo are the places to go, whilst San Cristobal de las Casas had some beautiful indigenous villages, as well as churches that combine Roman Catholicism with pagan beliefs.

Mexican cuisine is extremely complex, and rarely authentically replicated at the many Mexican restaurants that have opened up around the world. The more familiar staples include tortillas, salsa, tacos and tamales, all made with fresh, local ingredients, whilst seafood is the main attraction along coastal areas. One of Mexico’s most intricate sauces is mole, and can contain more than 100 different ingredients and take three days to prepare! In terms of other local produce, look out for nopales, succulent leaves from the prickly pear cactus, as well as wild mushrooms, squash blossoms, and the whole array of fantastically flavored exotic fruits. Mexico is also the birthplace of tequila, as well as mezcal, which is similar but only distilled once, unlike the three distillation processes that tequila requires. Kahlua is also a world-famous coffee liquor from Mexico.

When it comes to the cities of Mexico, the streets are always buzzing with activity, and there is plenty for visitors to do. Each city has their own nightlife areas, and they all attract many international music acts, as well as Latin stars. For live traditional music, seek out a mariachi band, brass and string ensembles that perform lively renditions of traditional ballads. If you prefer seeking out dance clubs and drinking halls, keep in mind that these don’t really get going until well past midnight.

Mexico also has plenty of full day excursions to keep you busy, and one of the most popular ones is a visit to Cascada El Chiflon, the highest and most powerful waterfall in Mexico, tumbling 120 meters down an almost-vertical limestone cliff. Xcaret, an eco-archaeological park in the Riviera Maya, is also worth a visit, and the maze of underground rivers where Mayans used to prepare for ceremonial rites is truly breathtaking. From sipping on a cocktail at a seaside resort to exploring the vibrant metropolis of Mexico City, Mexico is one of the few countries around the world that you could never tire of.

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Location Spotlight: Germany – OROGOLD Reviews

Germany, located at the heart of Europe, shares its borders with nine other countries. With the biggest economy on the continent, more inhabitants than any other European country, and a cosmopolitan culture intermingled with a rich history, it is no surprise that more and more people are choosing to visit and explore this fascinating country. Divided into 16 states, each region of Germany has their own unique traditions and local customs, making it an excitingly diverse destination to visit.

The Bode Museum on Spree River in Berlin, Germany

Berlin
Berlin is said to be the creative hub of the country, which came about due to its multicultural population and buzzing underground scene. If nightlife is what you are after, then Berlin is the city to visit, as it is one of the most liberal cities in Europe, with a hedonistic nightclub scene. With strong roots in music and the arts, Berlin has a vibrant culture, but is still relatively inexpensive when compared to other European cities. The Berlin Wall, which divided the city for almost 30 years, has sections that are still standing today. To learn more about German history, there are plenty of world-class museums that document what life was like under the rule of the Nazis and the Soviets.

Scenic landscape in the Bavarian Alps, Germany

Bavaria
Located in southern Germany, Bavaria is known for its unspoiled natural surroundings, laid-back attitude and welcoming hospitality. Visitors can spend days exploring the numerous medieval castles, baroque churches and grand palaces, and if you time your trip well, you can also take part in some of the traditional Bavarian festivals. In total, Bavaria has over 100,000 architectural monuments and over 1200 museums, as well as 40 exceptional theater and opera venues, making it ideal for a cultural break. Bavaria is also home to the Bavarian Alps, the most spectacular mountain range in Germany, and the gorgeous landscapes are comparable to those you would find in Switzerland and Austria.

The Cologne Cathedral and Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne, Germany

Cologne
Cologne, located on both sides of the Rhine river in west Germany, is most famous for their impressive Gothic cathedral, the Kolner Dom, which used to be the tallest building in the world. It is so breathtaking that it is no surprise that it holds the title of Germany’s most-visited monument. Visitors to the cathedral also have the option of climbing the 509 stairs to the top, which may seem tiring but the view makes it completely worthwhile. A great way to explore Cologne is by a river cruise, which will take you through towns and mountains along the Rhine. Be sure to stop off at one of the many traditional brewpubs along the way, where local beer is served. Foodies will love Cologne’s cuisine, with many rediscovered traditional dishes being served by fantastic restaurants.

Berlin, Bavaria and Cologne are only 3 of the many amazing destinations within Germany. When visiting this magnificently diverse country, it would be best to explore as many cities and towns that you can within your time frame, so that you can truly appreciate all that Germany has to offer.

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Our Favorite Honeymoon Destinations – OROGOLD Reviews

The perfect honeymoon destination is one that allows the newly-weds to celebrate their marriage and begin their life together in a relaxing environment, giving them a once in a lifetime experience. OROGOLD’s list of favorite honeymoon destinations feature spectacular and unique locations, which are romantic and unforgettable at the same time.

Beautiful views of water villas in Maldives.

Maldives
The Maldives are known for being one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world, due to its white sandy beaches and sparkling lagoons. There are many luxurious resorts and hotels to choose from, but if you are looking for something extra special, take a look at the Niyama, a fashionable new hotel with some unique extras. The Niyama is home to the Subsix nightclub, where you can dance the night away six feet below sea level with your new spouse, watching reef sharks through the floor to ceiling windows. Don’t worry about being exhausted the next day, as the 24 hour spa will take care of you in one of their tree-house treatment rooms. For those nights when you want to do something more relaxing, you can enjoy a movie at the hotel’s beach cinema.

Silhouettes of a giraffe and an acacias tree during at sunset in Kenya

Kenya
For couples that love wildlife and nature, Kenya will give you an exciting honeymoon among vast African plains and wild animals. Losaiba is a hotel, set amid a 60,000 acre private reserve, that allows you to truly enjoy the energy and wilderness of Africa whilst still being pampered, making it an ideal honeymoon spot. For a romantic night, the staff will roll a handcrafted bed onto an open-air platform, enabling you to gaze at the milky way while you snuggle up to your spouse. You can also get up close and personal with Africa’s animals by taking guided safari tour, also offered in the evenings, perfect for seeing the more nocturnal animals. For some romantic relaxation, you and your spouse can spend an evening enjoying a champagne bath.

Twilight views of the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, India

India
For an exotic yet romantic honeymoon, the Taj Lake Palace in India is a hotel not to be missed. Created 250 years ago, the marble building is built in the middle of Lake Pichola, making it seem as though it is floating. A short boat ride takes you to the hotel, and the first close-up sight is bound to leave you breathless with its many turrets, domes and opulent architecture. The hotel offers couples the opportunity to dine on some world-class Indian dishes at their courtyard restaurant, as well as the option to enjoy a candlelit meal on a floating pontoon, just for the two of you. The city of Udaipur is nearby, perfect for daily excursions, and you can return back to the Jiva Spa for a couples massage, relieving you of the chaos of the city. If this description seems familiar, it is because the hotel featured in the James Bond movie, Octopussy, making it even more special for the James Bond fans out there.

With so many amazing destinations, each offering something unique for your honeymoon, it can be hard to pick just one location to visit. If time permits, consider extending your honeymoon, giving you time to visit more than one location and making your decision slightly easier!