Caribbean Property Investor Magazine - Read the New Issue

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Read brand new Issue 3 of The Caribbean Property Investor Magazine, the definitive annual guide to Caribbean prime property and luxury lifestyle.

The Caribbean Property Investor Magazine Issue 3

Browse some of the Caribbean's finest homes for sale, as well as a selection of commercial investment opportunities from across the Caribbean.

Browse Luxury Caribbean Homes for Sale

This issue of The Caribbean Property Investor Magazine begins with a roundup of Caribbean property news, including game-changing real estate development plan and Citizenship-by-Investment programmes stimulating the property market in various locations.

The Money section includes a fascinating special feature on three of the Caribbean's most unique emerging investment locations: Montserrat, Cuba and Haiti, as well as in-depth opinion pieces from world-renowned experts on private banking, foreign exchange and tax incentives, with tips on how to make your money work harder.

Discover the Caribbean's Most Unique Investment Locations: Montserrat, Cuba and Haiti

In Life and Style, we provide a flavour of the best of the best of the Caribbean, including sensational Caribbean contemporary art, Caribbean fashion, extraordinary luxury villas to rent and private island resorts for an unforgettable vacation.

Discover a World of Caribbean Luxury

Issue 3 of The Caribbean Property Investor Magazine is launched as buyers once again return to the Caribbean and investment flows into tourism, real estate and infrastructure projects. As 7th Heaven Properties Founder Walter Zephirin comments:

"Property sales figures are uneven but reveal that the real estate sector in the Caribbean is well on the road to recovery. There are quite a few noteworthy stars. For example, the Turks & Caicos Islands has seen sales rocket by over 70%, in no small part driven by high net worth investors seeking out a slice of (tax-free) heaven. With a highly regarded Citizenship-by-Investment programme tied to real estate (and a similarly attractive tax regime), St Kitts & Nevis has also maintained a very high level of appeal. In locations where prices have fallen, there are certainly bargains to be had before prices rise again."

Click here to read the entire issue of The Caribbean Property Investor Magazine.

2012 U.S. Women's Open Comes Full Circle from Se Ri Pak to N.Y. Choi

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The final round of the 2012 U.S. Women's Open was an exciting look at how both skill, spirit and a little bit of luck played a part in the golf tournament. Although Na Yeon Choi pulled several tee shots into the woods, she never lost her cool and bowed briefly before her idol, Se Ri Pak, as if to say "thank you" for paving the way for Korean dominance in women's golf.

 

 

Here are a few quirky and funny notes and quotes from the final round of the U.S. Women's Open.

 

On Na Yeon Choi’s par-save from the tall grass on No. 12:

Dan Hicks – “She has experienced every type of emotion you can possibly have on the last three holes.”

Dottie Pepper – “Houdini would have been proud.”

On Na Yeon Choi’s tee shot off the rocks on 13:

Dan Hicks – “This is one of the biggest roller coaster rides I have seen in a long time on the back nine at an Open.”

On Na Yeon Choi’s lucky bounce past the bunker on her drive at 15:

Dottie Pepper – “I’m thinking if I’m Na Yeon Choi, I send my manager to go buy a lottery ticket.”

On Na Yeon Choi as she set up for a long putt on 16:

Dottie Pepper - “She’s put enough stress on herself to go around for a few people.”

On Na Yeon Choi after she made a long putt on 16, to go 8-under-par:

Dan Hicks - “It’s starting to look like destiny.”

On Na Yeon Choi:

Dan Hicks - “South Korean domination. We are going to have the tenth different Korean to win a women’s major, all in the last 15 years. Na Yeon Choi looks like she will be the latest.”

After microphones captured Na Yeon Choi speaking with her caddie before a shot on 18:

Annika Sorenstam – “Did you talk a lot with your caddie?”

 

Dottie Pepper- “I did, but I liked comparisons from other rounds. I have a really good memory for numbers. I always wanted to know how the hole I was playing compared to other holes. I could then make the appropriate decisions.”

On Na Yeon Choi:

Roger Maltbie - “She just never seemed to lose her cool. This girl is a solid player. She is going to be around for a long time.”

On Na Yeon Choi winning the 67^th U.S. Women’s Open:

Dan Hicks – “This championship has come full circle. From Se Ri Pak in 1998 to Na Yeon Choi in 2012.”

 

 

Thanks to the NBC Sports Group for providing me with this information.

 

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Is Rory McIlroy moving in on Tiger Woods' golf turf?

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Smiling faces, hand-shaking and a bit of revelry surrounded Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods as the BMW Championship paired the two golfers for a two-round start to the final legs of the #FedExCup Playoffs. With Rory McIlroy moving stealthily into the winners' circle and Tiger Woods struggling to maintain form, could this competitive pairing be what Woods needs to revitalize his game or does this signal a passing of the torch?




Huff Post Sports "wondered if there was something compellingly symbolic in this passing, if McIlroy, in a larger sense, is ready to take Woods' place on the game’s grand stages."  Rory, a twenty-three year old with three wins under his belt this season is young and aggressive like the Tiger Woods from ten years ago. A joking McIlroy who is growing muscles on Tour recently stated he would like to "kick his (Woods) behind" at the Ryder Cup.

Woods, on the other hand, has backed off of his more aggressive style more calmly stating that he still wants to taste victory. "I'm just going to try and get a 'W' this week," Tiger said about Crooked Stick. "That's the goal. That's why I'm here. That's why I entered."

Yes, Tiger Woods may have entered the BMW Championship to win but his comment after the first round that "The game of golf is in great hands with him (McIlroy), and he's here to stay," could be taken as a sign that Woods may be letting go of the struggle to stay on top. Letting go may be the first sign that Woods is ready to come back.

Although Woods has three wins on the PGA Tour this season; the Memorial in which Tiger surpassed Jack Nicklaus' record, a win at Bay Hill that marked his seventh at that golf course and the AT&T which was won with a bit of a struggle at Congressional, there is a definite weakness in his game which now shows up during the final stages of tournaments, a flaw in his putting, in my opinion, caused by a lack of focus.

In 2009, right before his woes began, Tiger won the same tournaments and also included three more wins including the BMW Championship.

Although money may be a motivator for many golfers struggling to stay in position, the "$100 million dollar man" needs a different type of stimulus in order to return to his former greatness and Rory McIlroy may be just what the doctor ordered to wake up a sleeping Tiger.

Voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and friend on Facebook.



photo credit: Canada.com
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Are These the Best Golf Courses to Play in the USA for Beginners?

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Golf blogger Angela Harper has compiled a short list of a few of the best golf courses in the United States and has shared it with Golf for Beginners blog. In the opinion of GFB, these courses are not meant for beginners nor for the faint of heart. Do you agree? 

Golf can be a wonderful game, ripe with precision and either tension or relaxation... depending on who you're playing with and the course you've decided to play. For the most part, even if you're a beginner, you should still start on a regular field where you'll be able to practice real swings instead of a typical mini golf course. You may believe a smaller course will be easier to master, however if you want to be really good as gold you will need to practice your swings at full force and in the exact conditions you were meant to play. Although the golf courses listed below are a few of the best courses to play in the USA, I recommend you play courses which are more forgiving, or from more forward tees allowing you to get the most out of your game.


1.      Pacific Dunes in Bandon, Oregon
This 18 hole has a par 71 and it opened back in 2001 by design of Tom Doak. There is a great variety of terrain here ranging from nice green grass to sand dunes and you'll have a wonderful chance to enjoy golfing here at its best. You can even attend the training facility available on the grounds as well as the driving range. You can find it on the following address: 57744 Round Lake Drive, Bandon, OR 97411


2.      Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass
Located in Jacksonville in sunny Florida, TPC Sawgrass was built in 1980 and has served as the location of The Players Championship for many years now. The area is specifically built to accommodate spectators so if you're feeling brave you can invite your friends to behold your incredible skills. The island green on the 17th hole is a great place to go diving for golf balls! It is an 18 hole, par 72 golf course and you can have some quality time there on this address: 110 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
TPC Sawgrass 17th hole





3.      Pebble Beach Golf Links
A rather more difficult 10-hole, par 72 golf course located in Pebble Beach, California. You can enjoy a better challenge here and their driving range and training course as well. The place was founded in 1919 and it carries quite the history with it. The prices for the green might be a little steep though they are definitely worth it because of its gorgeous destination right by the ocean. You can find it here:1700 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA 93953
Pebble Beach Golf Links



4.      Spyglass Hill, California
Once again located in Pebble Beach, this particular course was created in 1966 by the famous golf arhitect Robert Trent Jones Sr. who created an incredible amount of those around the 50 states. It is said that the first few holes of this course are the most difficult in the world, so you might want to skip it if you're not feeling up to the challenge. You'll be able to find it on here:Spyglass Hill Rd & Stevenson Drive, Pebble Beach, CA 93953


5.      Whistling Straits, Wisconsin
Created by Pete Dye and designed on par with the instructions of the founder Her Kohler, this is a nice 18-hole, 72 par golf course right on the shores of Lake Michigan. Whistling Straits been the host of the PGA Championship in 2004 and 2007 US Senior Open as well as being a wonderful place to play links-style golf. You can visit and play on the following address:N 8501 County LS, Sheboygan, WI 53083
Whistling Straits



Guest post by A. Harpert- a passionate traveler and adventurer by hobby and calling. She's a real expert in finding the most amazing holiday rentals for your vacation.

Add your favorite golf courses to the comments section of our golf blog and voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and on our Facebook page.
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Did You Win YOUR Bet That Mandela Would Make it to the European Tour?

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The European Tour is the second largest tour in the world of golf coming in second only to the PGA Tour. The increase in popularity of the European Tour can be attributed to its broad inclusion in other parts of the world featuring venues held not only in Europe but also in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Smaller tours, such as the Sunshine Tour, are part of a global constinuency which makes up the International Federation of PGA Tours, co-sanctioning four events with the European Tour.

That being said, the most recent event played this past weekend on the Sunshine Tour was the inaugural Nelson Mandela Championship. A possibly more well-known tourney taking place this week on the Sunshine Tour is the Alfred Dunhill Championship. Both events count toward the Race to Dubai, a year-long global affair with a prize in excess of $1 million dollars.

Although few Sunshine Tour events attract top names in golf, this week, Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel are both competing: adding the name Mandela to any event also elevates it don't you think? These golf tournaments also give rise to fresh faces who might one day move toward a permanent spot on the Euro Tour.

Since gambling is an inherent part of golf, with these events comes the opportunity for sports betting.  As I have come to learn (no, I don't gamble but I read a lot), in the past, these sorts of transactions were done with a bookie, however, with the rise of the internet over the past few years many forms of gambling have taken full advantage of the online culture of this medium. Now bookmakers and casinos can be found online and everything that goes with them. People who fancy a quick go on the slots on their computer, or even their smartphone, can now do this at sites such as LuckyNuggetCasino.com online casino, along with card games such as Poker or Blackjack which are usually found to be more popular among sports fans. Betting on golf can now be done before or even during the game wherever they are; this new face of gambling also has expanded the types of sporting events on which bets can be placed.

The Nelson Mandela Championship, for example, showed me that a bettor would be able to predict finishing positions. This type of sports bet is where you make a prediction on where a golfer will finish at the conclusion of the tournament. This is a bit different than other bets as you can bet high which means you expect your selected golfer to do poorly in the tournament. On the other hand, you can decide to go low which means you expect him to do rather well. To know specifically what this looks like depends on the quote associated with a specific golfer. For instance, he may be quoted to be 5-8. This means that the sportsbooks have him predicted to finish either 6^th or 7^th. If you want to bet low, meaning he will do well, you would sell the finishing position at 5. If you expect this golfer may not place as well as expected, you would sell the finishing position at 8.

Where I do not condone gambling, I found the process quite interesting and wanted to share it with the audience. There are many people who go in ready to place a bet but not understanding the modus operandi in order to give themselves a chance at success.

Voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and friend on Facebook.
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Who is it --- #Tiger Woods or Rory #McIlroy?

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Thank you to Author James Ross for this submission to Golf for Beginners blog.

**********
The golf season was around the corner and the grinding professional Tour was about to begin. The weather outside was gloomy. It was way too cloudy and windy to even think about playing. Of course flurries of snow were predicted in the forecast. That was also a discouraging factor.
What’s a fellow to do? If you’re a golfer the local pro shop and clubhouse is the perfect meeting place. It was no different at Prairie Winds Golf Course high atop the Mississippi river bluffs just east of St. Louis. Fred, the portly one with a baker’s dozen of doughnuts, was the first to arrive. His rotund backside had left an impression in the booth nearest the far corner.
J Dub, the nice looking, lanky head pro had a pot of coffee brewing before the night maintenance foreman at the local auto plant had come through the front door. Julie, his chic assistant, was filling the cash register with petty cash. They expected a slow day of golf but plenty of banter from the regulars who considered the clubhouse their home away from home.
Captain Jer, the functional alcoholic, arrived early. He had travelled to the course with two sidekicks. Doc, the elderly veterinarian, and Trot, an old vaudeville comedian, entered behind him. As news of the upcoming golf season flashed across the TV screen the conversation switched to controversy.
“That kid from Ireland can play,” Fred shouted.
“Rory?” Doc questioned.
“Yeah, McIlroy.” Fred wiped the back of his oversized hand across his mouth in an attempt to clean the excess cream filling from the doughnut off the side of his mouth.

 “Lots of talent there,” Captain Jer agreed, “but I still think that Tiger is the guy to beat.” The retired airplane pilot motioned for Julie to bring a cold beer to his table. “When they tee the ball up I guarantee you the rest of the guys in the field are looking out the corner of their eye to see where Tiger is.”
“Maybe so,” the head pro said as he threw his opinion out, “but Tiger doesn’t put the fear in them like he used too. There are a lot of new guys out there that can flat play the game.”
“Guys you’ve never heard of,” Trot added. “There are hoards of young kids that rip the ball.”
“But that McIlroy kid is the best of the young bunch,” Fred argued.
“No question,” Doc said, “but you know the way sports are. On any given day…”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Captain Jer shot back. “Give me Tiger Woods anytime. He has that uncanny ability to will the ball in the hole. When he’s got his putting stroke going there is nobody that can stay with him.”
“Granted, but the others know that if he’s in the hunt it just might be his tournament to lose.”
“I’ll still take the new kid on the block.”
“He can roll the ball in the hole with the best of them.”
“And his ball striking is as good as Tiger’s was in his prime.”
“Why don’t you guys take a break for a while?” Julie butted in. She was no novice when it came to the gentleman’s game. “Nobody is going to win this discussion. Was it Jack or Arnie? Or how about Ben Hogan or Sammy Snead? Each era has its own hotshot --- and the opinions will always vary.”
The others exchanged glances. They wondered how the lady in the group could be such a golf historian.
“That’s why golf is the truest sport out there. The guy that plays the best for four days will win the tournament.” Julie placed another beer in front of Captain Jer, delivered a screwdriver to Trot and filled up Fred’s coffee mug. “That’s the one that deserves the moment. Be glad that we have the opportunity to disagree.”
“Yeah, it makes for great viewing on Sunday afternoon!”
“And everybody has their favorite.”
James Ross has written five novels from the Prairie Winds Golf Course setting. Visit Amazon online on Wednesday #12_12_12 for a book promo on his latest, Pabby’s Score. The story delivers innocence, greed, corruption and Internet dating as well as mysterious intrigue from the cast of recurring characters --- and two newcomers with special needs, Pabby and Shae.

Join James Ross on Twitter as @golfnovels and @JamesRossBooks or on Facebook.

And... as always, voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and on our Facebook page.



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Golf Swing Made Easy With This Infographic

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What muscles do you use in the golf swing? How flexible do you really need to be when taking a swing? These questions and more have been put into an Infographic by Matt Baird, PGA Instructor. Read this explanatory analysis of how your golf swing works and what you can do to improve during the off-season.



Thank you to Matt Baird for providing Golf for Beginners with this Infographic.


Matt Baird Bio
As a full time instructor,  Matt Baird has taught thousands of Golf Lessons with a way of teaching that people can relate to and understand.  He has real professional experience in teaching and playing the game and can instantly diagnose and fix the swing of amateur golfers. 

The key to Matt's knowledge is that he understands all aspects of the game from a pro golfers perspective. He has recently been on pro tours, he has played with the pros, he has lived with them, he knows how the pros practice, what they work on, and how the they get better. He knows and teaches the swing path of the current best pro golfers in the world. He not only teaches the game but he plays it well. He is good at golf and teaching golf because he loves the game and loves to help others improve their game. His current project is working on GolfGator, a golf Training Aids company. Be sure to visit him there.


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A Hole-in-One Christmas for Mobitee Mobile Golf App purchasers

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In the spirit of giving, Mobitee Mobile Golf Assistant has announced that it will be offering a thirty percent discount on its GPS golf app to iphone, Android and Windows phone users throughout the end of the year.

The innovative virtual golf coach says gift-giving should be easy and should keep on giving.  Instead of the usual stocking stuffer, Mobitee’s user-friendly rangefinder, shot tracker, flyover video, club recommender and scorecard will allow both the beginner and advanced golfer in your life the ability to improve his or her game. Thirty-five thousand golf courses allow you to take...and use... Mobitee anywhere in the world.   And, as Mobitee says, “it’s so easy even an adult can use it!”

“Mobitee is not a simple gadget application or a very complicated software,” says Stan Chapus, CEO of Mobitee. “It is a real tool to help every golfer.  It is a virtual caddie, a reliable golf companion.”   

 

The thirty percent discount has been applied directly at the point of sale so neither codes nor special coupons are needed!

Here are the links to download Mobitee on iTunes for iPhone and iPad users, on Google Play for Android phones (like my Samsung Galaxy S3 (which I LOVE) and through Facebook.

You can communicate directly with Mobitee either through email: info@Mobitee.com, via Facebook and through Twitter.

Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and the best of wishes to everyone this festive season. May you get what you want and may joy act as your umbrella.

Voice your opinions on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and friend on Facebook.



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Tips to Stay Safe During a Visit Overseas

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With the holiday season fast approaching, you must be planning to visit your family settled abroad or enjoying a vacation overseas or even going on an official trip. Make awareness, safety and information on local laws a part of your planning for a tension-free trip overseas.Check and recheck the papersTake some time out to fill the emergency information page of your passport and ensure that your family or friends have a photocopy of your passport data page and visa. Scan your travel documents and also carry photocopies.Insurance coverageIt would be advisable to check with your insurance company if your policy is applicable in foreign locations too.Health checkVisit your doctor to know more about health precautions and getting relevant vaccinations or immunisations for the places you are planning to visit.Travelling with babiesSafety and comfort should be your prime concern while travelling with babies. From medication to diapers to clothing, take extra care to ensure everything is in its place in the baby's travel bag. Don't leave anything for the last minute.General precautionsAvoid wearing flamboyant clothing, flashing jewellery or carrying large amount of cash as it would attract the attention of miscreants. Instead of carrying cash, rely on traveller's cheques, Euro cheques or international credit cards.Take care of expensive phones, cameras or laptops as they could get damaged or lost. Strictly avoid accepting eatables or beverages from over-friendly or suspicious looking strangers or leaving unattended luggage in public areas.Cyber cafe cautionSome cyber cafes might have software that track your keyboard strokes such as usernames, passwords and credit card details. So, be careful about the Internet cafe you visit and make sure you erase the data on history list of the websites once you are done.Local customs and languageRespect local customs and don't disregard or ridicule traditions or dress codes. If a religious place does not allow photographs, then switch off your smart phone off or keep your camera in a safe place.It would also help you if you learn a few key words or phrases in the local language. This would help you in talking to the local people.Be with your groupTravel in a group. Avoid travelling alone especially after sunset. Keep emergency numbers handy like police, ambulance, fire and the nearest embassy.Inside hotelDon't leave your valuables or cash lying openly. Keep your cupboard and suitcase keys with you all the time. Don't volunteer to carry any package or parcel for someone whom you have met only recently.Drugs or substance abuseStrictly avoid use, purchase or carrying of prohibited drugs or substances in a foreign country. The consequences could be imprisonment or deportment. Don't carry any parcel or packets for others and never leave your luggage unattended. Avoid driving if you are drunk. If you have to, then drink alcohol in moderation.

The West Coast Of NZ

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New Zealand's West Coast is a popular tourist destination offering a fantastic slice of the Kiwi experience to campers, hikers, beachgoers, explorers, families and any holidaymaker looking for something new. Hokitika, one of the region's small towns to the west of Arthur's Pass, has everything you could want with the beach looking out over the Tasman, rivers that are perfect for fishing, native bush, forest and a quaint, friendly township. Many travellers book a stay at Hokitika accommodation for a week or two while they journey around the West Coast.It's not just a tourist destination - the West Coast has played an important role in New Zealand's history through mining and the gold rush that boomed in the 19th century.The Beginning of New Zealand MiningBefore European colonisation of the country, the native Maori mined rock like argillite from quarries. The country is ranked as the 22nd largest iron ore producer in the world and 29th in terms of gold. Silver, coal, gold, iron ore and limestone are plentiful and, at last estimate in 2006, the value of current mineral production in New Zealand was $1.5 billion.While mining has been a big part of the country's history, a huge amount of unexploited resources remain. Estimates in 2008 place the value of core minerals that are still unexplored to be as worth as much as $140 billion. Investigations on how to best explore these opportunities are always being made with the government and population trying to balance the potential return with conservation and environmental efforts.The West CoastThe West Coast is mined today for its coal, greenstone and, during the 1860s, its gold. New Zealand's coal reserves stand in excess of 15 billion tonnes. In 2010 alone 5.3 million tonnes of coal were mined with the West Coast a major contributor. From the 1880s onward, coal became the main focus of the region's mining efforts, especially north around Westport.While mining is not nearly as widespread as it was in the late 19th and early 20th century, several operations still remain in the region while tourist attraction Shantytown Heritage Park pays homage to the history of gold mining by providing visitors with an informative and realistic view into the way of life during the gold rush. Mining does still continue to be economically significant due to an international demand for coal and growth aided by advances in mining and exploration technologies

England's Five Best Canal Holiday Routes

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I'd like to share with our readers, an article I just came across in the Times Online about England's five best canal holiday routes. Terry Ramsey and friends have taken an annual trip on England's waterways for the past 16 years.
Here are his favourites

I personally would love to take a canal holiday tour, and then stay in a cottage or vacation home for the rest of my visit to England.

Interior Design: Caribbean Property's Changing Face

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A fresh take on interior design is changing the face of Caribbean property across the region.
The following is an excerpt of an article on Interior Design in the Caribbean from The Caribbean Property Investor Magazine, featuring designers from across the region who have worked in Barbados, Jamaica, Antigua and London:
Grand Designs
Interior designthroughout the islands of the Caribbean is evolving. The dark colonial style isgiving way to a lighter, more contemporary feel.
“On Jamaica,the majority of interior designers have been trained in the USA and the UK bringingtogether an eclectic mix of styles.  Thecombination of the islands beauty, its rich culture and the number of businesspeople from abroad and professional Jamaicans who have decided to stay and makeJamaica their home has changed the face of interior design from a rustic Caribbeanand Spanish style to a sleeker cool contemporary look” says British interiordesigner Cleon Roberts, who works on the island.

Interior Design by Cleon Roberts, Jamaica

Movingaway from the heavier, darker colonial style, today’s Caribbean designers seekto maximize the use of natural light and materials: “The Romanesque style usingcolumns and lion sculptures, small windows, masses of dark wood and heavydrapes is diminishing. People are opening up their homes, building roof gardensand terraces, and using natural and recycled materials,” Cleon adds.

Interior Design by Archers Hall, Barbados

TerriArcher, Interior Designer and Director at Archers Hall, Barbados,agrees: “We also see a preference for design that leans towards a moderninfluence yet still maintains the tropical ease and way of life. People havesteered away from the typical ‘plantation’ feel of monkeys and pineapples.”
This article continues in The Caribbean Property Investor Magazine. Register for free to read on.

St Vincent's Marlon Roudette GQ Man of the Month

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In Issue 2 of The Caribbean Property Investor Magazine, we featured an interview with St Vincent's Marlon Roudette, singer-songwriter who has had Number 1 hits across Europe, including 8 weeks at Number 1 in Germany.

We were delighted to discover that Marlon, an exceptional talent from St Vincent & the Grenadines, was recently GQ Magazine's Man of the Month.

St Vincent & the Grenadines' Marlon Roudette

Here's a brief excerpt from our interview

“I grew up on the Leeward Coast of St Vincent in the Buccament Valley. The natural setting granted us a unique freedom as kids; from bathing under waterfalls to helping the fishermen with their nets in return for a fish or two!” says Marlon, who is looking forward to a solo career after seven years as lead singer of the band Mattafix. “I am based in London now but I try and get home at least once or twice a year. It has become a refuge for me away from the chaos of the metropolis."

"My family and I moved to St Vincent from London when I was 9 years old and arriving there from the bleak backdrop of the UK was a surreal experience. The first thing I was struck by were the colours. From the deep greens of the rain forest to the oranges and purples of a breathtaking sunset. I'd never seen anything like it."

My favourite spot on the island is my home. We have a small open plan purple heart house surrounded by all the fruit trees you could ever need. Its a very hard place to leave!"

This article continues in in Issue 2 of The Caribbean Property Investor Magazine.

St Vincent & the Grenadines is a truly inspiring landscape with a number of exceptional properties for sale.

This 8 bedroom property for sale in St Vincent & the Grenadines is outstanding. Located on 3 acres of land, 10 minutes from Mustique and just a 1 minute drive to Port Elizabeth and Admiralty Harbour, the villa offers one of the best views in St Vincent & the Grenadines.

St Vincent & the Grenadines Property for Sale

The property is finished to a very high standard and includes a beautiful pool and path leading directly to the beach.

St Vincent & the Grenadines Property for Sales - Pool with a View

The reception rooms are spacious, classical and private.

St Vincent & the Grenadines Property for Sales - Spacious Reception Rooms

7th Heaven Properties is the Caribbean property specialist, offering homes, villas, land and commercial real estate for sale from across the entire Caribbean, including St Vincent & the Grenadines. Please see our website for all kinds of St Vincent & the Grenadines property for sale.

Montserrat's First Steps Towards Island Re-launch

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Montserrat begins its exciting new start with re-brand led by London-based leading Caribbean real estate and destination marketing specialists 7th Heaven Properties

July 2012: In the first step of its exciting re-launch and as plans for a new capital town and tourism drive gather pace, the Caribbean island of Montserrat has unveiled a new brand identity. With the new look soon to be rolled out both online and offline, this re-branding process has been led by luxury Caribbean real estate and destination marketing specialist 7th Heaven Properties who worked with a wide selection of local stakeholders to establish the island’s new identity.

The re-branding is the initial phase of a new high-end, low-density tourism strategy that aims to attract private sector investment into the new capital at Little Bay and to encourage visitors to the island.

British Overseas Territory Montserrat currently attracts a relatively small but dedicated number of overseas visitors. Montserrat entered the international spotlight when Beatles producer Sir George Martin opened the iconic AIR Studios in Montserrat in 1979 and music stars such as Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, Sting and Eric Clapton came to record on the island. Many of these artists fell in love with Montserrat and returned year after year, some investing in holiday homes.

Through their research with local stakeholders and repeat visitors to Montserrat, 7th Heaven Properties identified that Montserrat’s appeal lies in its offer of tranquillity away from the crowds surrounded by warm, welcoming people and dramatic natural beauty; the new identity has been designed to reflect these assets.

In addition to the island as a whole, an identity for the new capital at Little Bay and port at Carr’s Bay has also been developed:




The logo - which incorporates a Celtic Five Circle Symbol - takes inspiration from the surrounding natural beauty, the new capital’s role as a future port town and the island’s Irish heritage. Having been inhabited by Irish settlers in the 17th Century, Montserrat retains strong links with the Emerald Isle; St Patrick’s Day is a public holiday, the national colours are green and orange and Irish place names and family names are commonplace. Additionally, the interlocking circles reference the elements of nature, ever present in this stunning island, and represent the points of a compass.

The former capital and its port were destroyed by the island's volcano and the development of a new capital town and port in the North, an area protected from the volcano, are central to plans for Montserrat’s economic development. The Government of Montserrat believes the new identity and strapline "Relaxation Refined" will be fundamental to re-positioning the island, raising its profile and attracting private sector investors.

John Cox, Director of the Montserrat Development Corporation said:

"The Government of Montserrat is delighted with the new tourism identity for Montserrat. The branding reflects the islanders’ view of the tranquillity and friendliness to be found in Montserrat; essentially, the Caribbean as it should be: "Relaxation Refined". The new branding will help attract investments in tourism and other sectors."

Robert Cooper, Director of Branding at 7th Heaven Properties, which has been working very closely with the Montserrat Development Corporation on plans for the new capital town also commented:

"Outside the island, Montserrat is primarily known for its volcano and for AIR Studios. However, the primary reason repeat visitors continue to come back to Montserrat year in year out is because it offers total relaxation, peace and quiet against a backdrop of lush, green mountains and sensational sea views. The new branding reflects this unique offering."

Antigua Property Market to be Boosted by Citizenship Programme

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The Antigua property market is set to receive a welcome boost from the launch of a new Citizenship by Investment programme tied to investment in real estate.

Following a lengthy public consultation process, the Government of Antigua & Barbuda has announced that vetted applicants who invest a minimum of US $400,000 in eligible real estate in Antigua & Barbuda, contribute between US $250,000 and US $400,000 to a National Development Fund or invest a minimum of US $1,250,000 in an eligible business will be able to apply for citizenship of Antigua & Barbuda.

Regional Caribbean neighbours St Kitts & Nevis and Dominica already have second passport schemes in place. The St Kitts & Nevis scheme, which also requires a minimum investment of US $400,000 in real estate (in an approved property development) or a contribution to the Sugar Industry Diversification Fund, has provided a significant boost to the property market in St Kitts & Nevis.

The Antiguan Government has announced that the Citizenship by Investment Programme is to become law by the first quarter of 2013 and is expected to promote economic growth, attract developments and support the development of infrastructure. The Economic Citizenship Programme is not without its critics, but the Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer was reported in the Antigua Observer as reassuring the people of the two island nation that "we are totally satisfied it can be a major boost to our economy... in this country. All we have to do is to ensure that we plug all the holes and ensure we have a wholesome system."

7th Heaven Properties, the Caribbean property specialists, can introduce investors to a very wide selection of luxury homes for sale in Antigua & Barbuda. The property below is just a sample.

4 Bedroom Oceanfront Luxury Home, Dickenson Bay, Antigua

Located between the world famous Dickenson Bay and Runaway Bay on the headland of an exclusive gated community, this newly completed Antigua property for sale boasts spectacular views of the azure Caribbean Sea.

4 Bedroom Oceanfront Luxury Home, Dickenson Bay, Antigua

With 8,000 square feet of wonderfully planned living space, this secluded beachfront estate comprises a large living and dining room and fully equipped kitchen, all opening out to a magnificent infinity-edge swimming pool.

The master suite features his and hers bathrooms, walk-in closets and private terrace area. All bedrooms have high ceilings, en-suite bathrooms and walk in closets. Owners will have the option of a private service dock in the adjacent marina.

To enquire about this luxury home, or for information on many other properties for sale in Antigua & Barbuda, please contact us.

Oahu, Hawaii

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While in Hawaii on business I had the opportunity to travel Hawaii Route 61 which is better known as the PALI Highway. I had a few hours to kill before my flight so I took a drive around the back side of the Island from Honolulu past Koko Head.I was running short on time so I looked at the map and decided to take Route 61 back over the impossible looking Ko olau range to downtown Honolulu and then the airport. Clouds had shrouded the vertical peaks all day but the clouds were breaking up as the sun began to sink low in sky.The mountains of Hawaii are incredible, they go straight up and straight down thereby creating an almost insurmountable obstacle for transportation. Back in the day, the Islanders created a foot path up the impossible looking cliffs and over the Pali divide down to Honolulu so they could transport sugar, bananas, rice, fish, pigs, chickens and other produce over the mountain to the markets of Honolulu.This trail was incredibly steep and slippery. The Hawaiians traversed it with ease but foreigners struggled mightily up the trail in mortal fear all the way. In 1845 the road was widened to 6 feet and paved with stone making travel by horse and mule more feasible. In 1897 the road was blasted to 20 feet wide making all kinds of twists and switchbacks up the steep cliffs.The widening of the road allowed wagons to be pulled up and over the mountains. Travel along the road was always treacherous and you had to be on your guard as extremely strong winds would slam the traveler at every turn as they flowed up and over the cliffs and ridge tops. The old road had an average grade of 8% and was 8800 feet long.The modern road that passes through the Nu'uanu Pali Tunnels was constructed in 1957 and is now a busy highway where thousands of cars transit up and through the mountain each day. As I emerged through the tunnels on the Honolulu side I noticed a sign that said "PALI Lookout" so I decided I would check it out.A quiet, nearly deserted road wound it's way up through the forest to a parking lot and a short paved trail that led to an observation point on the spine of the mountain which is the PALI Overlook. I parked my vehicle and walked up the trail to where I could look over the immense cliffs that dropped precipitously on the leeward side of the island from Honolulu.It was a gorgeous view in every direction as sun rays would burst out of the clouds on selected spots of land and sea as if they were search lights looking for something in particular. White smoke like tendril clouds curled about the sharp bright green peaks above the overlook. As I looked down the cliffs from the observation point the wind struck me mightily as it crashed into these cliffs after it's long ocean journey and was forced up and over the mountain at this point.While picturesque, this spot had something of an eerie feeling to it. I later learned that there are many ghost stories associated with the old Pali road. After leaving the observation point on my drive back to Honolulu, I stopped on the side of the road to admire some interesting stands of large trees that had large leafed vines curling up around them and the unusual understory of the Hawaiian forest.This is where I thought of the stories of the Menehune or "Little People" that I had heard. Apparently, there is a legend in Hawaii about the Menehune. These tiny people supposedly inhabit the forests of Hawaii and they only come out at night. It is said that they are master builders and can construct complex structures overnight.Many Hawaiians are suspicious of and fear the Menehune so they avoid the forests. It is said that the Menehune were the original settlers of the Hawaiian islands and that they are descendents from the Marquesas islands who arrived between 0-400 AD. When the Tahitians invaded Hawaii in roughly 1100 AD, according to legend, they forced the Menehune into the forests where they have been exiled ever since.As I walked through the woods, admiring immense trees of type and varieties that I was clueless about, I pondered the mystery of the Menehune and even though they were purportedly banished to the forests... I thought to myself that this lovely and mysterious place wouldn't be such a bad place to be banished to.Who knows if the legend is true... one thing is for certain though, Hawaii Route 61 is an interesting change from the palm beaches that people are so familiar with when they think of Hawaii. The sweeping views from the Pali overlook are incredible. If you visit the backside of the island - say Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach or any of a hundred other fascinating places, skip the H3 Freeway on the way back to Honolulu and try the Pali Highway instead. You will not be disappointed.

NY City and Its Unique Attractions

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With a skyline that is renowned the world over, New York City is an incomparable international destination. Whether it's your first visit to New York or your tenth visit, there's always something new and refreshing to see and do in New York tours. New York City pulsates with an unmistakable vibrancy that attracts more than 45 million visitors annually. The city holds tourist attractions galore and it is difficult to draw up an entire list of places one should see when in New York.Statue of Liberty tour - A historic gift from France for the centennial of America's Independence which now symbolizes the USA and a memorable landmark in New York. A short boat trip is all that is needed for you to get to the Statue of Liberty from Manhattan.The Brooklyn Bridge - this far-famed bridge, built in late nineteenth century, connects Manhattan with New York's most populous borough, Brooklyn. The bridge is one of the most magnificent spectacles in New York.Times Square - This is arguably the most bustling square of New York and is particularly known for its plethora of Broadway theatres, cinemas and super signs. This is one part of New York City that never sleeps.Central Park - This lush green park is one of those star attractions that lend New York such a unique charm. This massive park spread over 843 acres (341 ha), is located in the heart of Manhattan. Its design is exquisite and worth emulating by city parks around the world.Empire State Building tour - The Empire State Building reflects the soaring ambition of humans to build towers that stretches out to the skies. It probably is New York's most famed building and is prominently printed on several picture postcards.Rockefeller Center - This center familiarly known as Radio City is a buildings complex that was strangely developed during the Great Depression. Initially the complex comprised of 14 buildings and to this day, this 70 story RCA building is the tallest.The headquarters of the U.N. in New York were developed by group of professional architects of international renown. The main building - the Secretariat - was one of the city's first towers developed conforming to international style and standards.Metropolitan Museum of Art - This rare museum features more than two million works of art spanning thousands of years. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most commodious and prolific art museums in the world and it should not be missed by any visitor to New York.Bryant Park - This park may be described as an enchanting 8 acre (3ha) lush green oasis at the intersection of 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue. Even though the park is surrounded by busy streets with heavy traffic, it is strangely a very quiet park with the right ambiance for relaxation. The design is eye-catchy with a huge, central lawn encircled by trees.Grand Central Terminal is one of two splendid gateways that were built in New York in the heyday of railway transportation and it is certainly worth a visit.Do not forget the World Trade Center - the National September 11 Memorial - that pays a poignant tribute to the victims of the historic terrorist attacks.The list is endless and you will do well to use a shuttle tour that will cover all the landmark spots in New York. You may contact New York Shuttle Tours (Phone: 1-866-991-TOUR (8687) for availing their 9 Hour New York Daily tours or 4 Hour Tour of the city. Please visit: New York Tours for more information

Is Brazil Dangerous?

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Brazil is the largest country in South America.For many people, Brazil is a paradise with beautiful beaches, parties on the streets, soccer and sexy women everywhere. Also, Brazil is considered together with Indonesia the country with the highest cultural variety in the planet. Every single region has its uniqueness.To continue our list of compliments, Brazil has jumped up to the 5th biggest economy in the world overtaking Britain and France.However, the reality is far more obscure. In the past 30 years the number of homicides in Brazil reached more than 1 million. This is worse than countries like Angola which faces 550 thousand victims in its 27-years-long civil war.These embarrassing numbers have reduced in the capital cities. Nevertheless, it's been increasing in the smaller cities.Brazil is the 5th biggest economy in the world. Nothing to be proud of, though. Socially speaking, there is a huge disparity between the rich and poor classes. The bad distribution of money and the collapsing educational system are to be blamed for the high crime rates of Brazil.So, is Brazil dangerous? Yes, specially if you don't know much about the country.After this dark revealing side of Brazil, you might be thinking of canceling your trip or postponing it to better peaceful times. You don't have to do this. I am going to give you some hints on how to have a safe visit to Brazil and take the most out of it.1- Never carry large amounts of money with you. Take just the necessary for your daily expenses.
2- Distribute your money in different pockets. A bit of money under your socks is not a bad idea.
3- Watch your back. Pickpockets target distracted people.
4- Never dress extravagantly when you are walking on the streets.
5- Avoid using your mobile phone on the streets.
6- Leave your watches, bracelets and chains at home.
7- Avoid speaking English or other foreign languages loudly in public transports or on the streets.
8- Never walk alone in dark and quiet streets.
9- Never resist to an armed robbery.
10- If you are being stalked by a suspicious person, enter the first commercial precinct you find or approach any group of people and start some talk or ask for information. Don't leave until the suspicious person vanishes.So, is Brazil dangerous? Yes, but I know how to reduce the risks and enjoy my trip.

Five Adventure Activities in Tropical Cairns, Australia

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Cairns is not all about lazy days on the beach under the tropical sun. Many people visit for just that reason, but if you want something more to test your nerve, then Cairns has a lot to offer in the field of adventure tourism.Diving the Great Barrier ReefThe reef is a must do for many Cairns visitors, and though you can join the throngs of many others and take a tourist boat out for a day of snorkeling, you can also participate in some real SCUBA diving. Options range from single day reef tours to multiple day live-aboard tours incorporating open water and night dives.Dive depth varies between 5 to 30 metres depending on the site and most are suitable for beginners through to experienced divers. If you are not an experienced diver then what better place to learn than the Great Barrier Reef. Many dive courses are available from introductory to advanced.Bungy Jump and Minjin Jungle SwingA purpose-built 50 metre bungy tower sits nestled in the rainforest a few minutes drive north of Cairns. From the top you look out over the Coral sea and down to your "splash down" point which is a pond fed from a rainforest stream and waterfall. Your friends can view your leap of faith from four viewing platforms around the base of the jump. A menu of sixteen jump styles means that you can select how far out of your comfort zone you wish to go. Go for the regular swan dive, or ride a BMX bike off the launch platform; the choice is yours.The Minjin jungle swing is also set at the same rainforest location. A daring high-speed swing down through the trees. You and up to two others can release yourself from 45 metres up in the rainforest canopy to swing down to within 1 metre of the ground at speeds of up to 120 kph. Not for the faint hearted.White Water RaftingThis adrenalin pumping adventure activity is available on the Barron and Tully rivers. Both locations are within gorges carved by the rivers over time and cut through heritage rainforest - hopefully not providing too much of a distraction from the task at hand. The task at hand of course is navigating your inflatable raft with a group of others through countless white water rapids.The Tully river tour is a full day one with two levels, the standard rafting, and an extreme version for that extra challenge. The day includes a barbecue lunch at riverside. The Barron river tour is an afternoon package of fun and excitement perhaps more suited to newcomers to white water rafting. However, it too is not without its challenges.SkydivingWhat can be more daredevil than throwing yourself out of an aircraft from 9000 feet above the ground? The answer is doing it from 14000 feet. Skydiving in Cairns gives you that choice with drop heights of 9000, 10000, 11000 and 14000 foot drops.All drops are tandem jumps with professional instructors and offer a choice of landing spots including Mission Beach south of Cairns; into a secluded valley south of Cairns; or another beach landing at Palm Cove just north of Cairns. All jumps of course will give you breathtaking views of the Great Barrier Reef and golden beaches edged with verdant rainforest.CableSki.One of only four in Australia, and the only one in Queensland, Cairns Cable Water Ski park offers you a chance to show off your water skiing skills on a custom-built lake set against a backdrop of rainforest-clad mountains.With the safety of the driven supporting cable you can choose from kneeboarding, wakeboarding or water skiing. You also have the choice of taking on the numerous ramp obstacles on the course; showing off your aerial acrobatic skills with somersaults and free jumps; or just taking a relatively leisurely ride on your board around the course.This article hopefully has provided you with some ideas for an adventure vacation in Cairns, but there are many more activities to get the heart pumping and the blood rushing.I first visited Cairns in 1996 and moved here permanently in 2000 with my wife. We feel very lucky to live in such a tropical paradise and often take time out to "play tourist", discovering more about our chosen home. In 2012 I was inspired to develop a web site aimed at informing people about Cairns as a holiday destination.

England's Five Best Canal Holiday Routes

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I'd like to share with our readers, an article I just came across in the Times Online about England's five best canal holiday routes. Terry Ramsey and friends have taken an annual trip on England's waterways for the past 16 years.
Here are his favourites

I personally would love to take a canal holiday tour, and then stay in a cottage or vacation home for the rest of my visit to England.

An Idea That May Change the Way You Travel

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Like many of you, I too have a passion for travelling. By age 21 I had travelled to more than fifty countries and even managed to put myself into debt. Luckily this debt was not great and I was able to land on my feet immediately following my education.I write to address a growing trend you should be aware of, a problem that deals with the simplest of questions: Why do we travel? What is the purpose of taking-off valuable time and spending great sums of money to venture into new lands?Here's my answer: We travel to have an adventure, to escape the mundane, to witness another way of life, to see the extraordinary, and to challenge our way of thought.And with that answer in mind the problem is that many miss the point. Too often do those who profess to be avid travelers simply find a new location to drink, join prepackaged tours, and relax in Western accommodation. Too often do their greatest adventures abroad merely consist of the consumption of too much alcohol, experiences that in truth closely mirror their lives at home.In reality, they were travelling to a place within the bounds of Western Culture.This place exists in just about every country now, and caters to the masses that often spend big and experience little. In this place nearly every young local you will meet has a Facebook, has watched American television and movies, and wants someday to own a big house and drive a luxury car.This Western area is not unlike the real West, where not everyone speaks English or lives in affluence, yet they are part of a culture largely formed in the West through decades of unadulterated capitalism. These Western places are filled with familiar corporations and washed-out junkies, loads of travel books, and conveniently placed accommodation for English-speaking travelers.For those who travel this way, they often enjoy luxury hotels, even though they provide the exact same standards of hotels at home, yet they are impressed simply because it happens to be in a different country. Many of these people save themselves from the challenge of having to learn the basics of another language, settle for non authentic food, and don't sacrifice their standards of comfort.They often return home bragging about their adventures to those without a passport and others will be impressed simply because of the trip abroad. Main stream tour books will provide all the depth they ever need to call themselves avid travelers.But there are also those who are like myself that are searching for more in our traveling experiences and perhaps more authentic travel adventures.Avoiding the spread of common Western Culture is getting harder all the time.The populations of the world are shifting into one mega-culture of shopping and entertainment, and the traditional cultures are being forgotten with the passing of one generation to the next.The peoples in villages for the first time become poor as for the first time they are compared to those in affluence in the West. Money trickles in slowly by slowly, so that they can get a Western education, so that they make money in the cities, so they can forget the old ways and become like us.I see this quite often as I look for African tribal art during my ventures in the Africa bush. Villages where the new generation laugh and mock me for my interest in their old carvings, villages where the new generation understands nothing of their ancestors devotion to their artistic carvings and traditional artwork the powerful meanings behind them, African villages where the new generation only understand the language of money and sell their valuable art as if it were worthless. I lived in Africa for many years before I had the opportunity to step out of Western Culture.The deeper into the wilderness you venture, where the new roads and electrical polls cease, on the far reaches of the African frontier, there the old ways are still practiced and believed. Here is where you will be challenged, if not by how different they see the world than you, then merely by where you will sleep and what you will eat. This is where the greatest stories are found, and where adventures are so common and grand you may get bored with life when you return home.So how do we fight this? The answer is that we don't. We let the masses talk big about their so called adventures and we simply do not rain on their parade. Besides, the West will soon engulf the cultures of the world that are left, and the longer these areas are kept secret and visited by few, the longer they will remain.In documenting the fast disappearing cultures of Africa, we also work to preserve the tribal art they created, often before contact with the outside world, the most pure art on the planet. To follow us and have a chance to acquire some of this art.

A Travellers Guide to Dubai

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Over the past few years, Dubai seems to have gone from a relatively unknownpart of the United Arab Emirates to a place thriving with trade and tourism. Located in the Middle East, to the east of Saudi Arabia, Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates(UEA). It is also home to the tallest manmade structure in the world - Burj Khalifa - and is occupied by 38 per cent of the entire UEA population.It is safe to say the UEA has changed considerably in recent years and its per capita income is the seventh highest in the world, while it is one of the most developed economies in western Asia. Pretty impressive for a country that only gained independence in 1971.But it is the development of the tourism industry that has perhaps been most impressive change within the country. With a flight time of just five hours from Europe and a buzzing, vibrant city, Dubai is the place to be for those who want to shop, sunbathe, party, play sports or enjoy delicious food and experience a lifestyle of true decadence.Dubai International Airport is famous for its excellent selection of duty free shopping, although tourists shouldn't get too carried away, as prices are no better than those found in the shopping malls of the main city, so it may be better to wait. Duty free alcohol is very cheap, but tourists should check limitations in advance - they are allowed no more than four litres of alcohol beverages, or two cartons of beer, with each carton containing 24 cans.Dubai has an excellent public transport system and it is easy to get the metro from the airport to the main part of the city. Although the metro is a good choice for those who wish to travel to destinations along the coastline, it does not serve the old city centre.Alternatively, visitors can get a taxi from the airport to their destination. Although it is possible to flag them down in the street, it is better to find them in the designated queues outside shopping malls or hotels. Comfortable and cheap, taxis are a good way to get around Dubai.Dubai has an excellent infrastructure, which means it is easy to get around and explore the area. The main airport is Dubai International Airport, although the emirate is also accessible from the airports in Sharjah or Abu Dhabi, which is the largest of the seven emirates.While Emirates is the region's official airline carrier, Fly Dubai is probably a better option for low cost holidays. With so many airlines competing against each other to offer flights to popular destinations such as Dubai, tourists can often find themselves a bargain if they search hard enough.Hiring a car is another option, although Dubai is not the easiest place for tourists to drive due to the sometimes aggressive driving styles of the locals.Buses are clean and cheap, while maps and times are available to download online. However, the bus routes are not always very easy to understand and can sometimes be quite infrequent. Although a bus would be a good way to get to different areas of central Dubai, it is better to walk for more specific journeys.Dubai has some stunning white, sandy beaches and they are the perfect place to give watersports a try. The sea is warm, but quite salty, which can put some people off. Those looking for a real adventure can travel to the emirate of Fujairah or the Sharjah enclave Khor Fakkan for coral reef diving, where they can spot extensive marine life.Waterports aren't the only activities on offer in Dubai, as people can also go for a hot air balloon ride, play golf at one of the emirate's many impressive courses, ski at the indoor centre, visit Wild Wadi water park or Dubai zoo, or go on a Dubai creek cruise.However, one thing visitors simple cannot miss when they head to Dubai is the opportunity to go shopping. It is known for its stores and markets and here, people can find everything from traditional saris to all the modern high end designer brands.The Dubai Mallis the biggest shopping centre in the world and is definitely worth seeing, as it contains an indoor ice rink and aquarium, as well as more than 1,200 shops.As well as flashing the cash, there are plenty of other things to do in both the modern and old parts of Dubai. It is worth taking a walk around the impressive marina, as well as checking out the Palm Islands, which are the three largest artificial islands in the world. In the old part of the town, tourists can wander around the Dubai Museum, visit the Jumeirah Mosque and mosey along the old, traditional streets.There is an abundance of food on offer in Dubai and people with all tastes should find something to tickle their fancy. Vegetarians are well-catered for and there is a wide choice of Indian food. The night life is also excellent in Dubai and the majority of three to five-star hotels have bars and night clubs.However, it is important to remember that Dubai has very specific laws regarding the consumption of alcohol and tourists must adhere to these.A holiday to Dubai is bound to be a truly unforgettable experience for anyone who goes there and the sheer grandeur and impressive scale of the emirate - which has the tallest, biggest, most luxurious buildings in the world - is something that must be seen to be believed.