My journalist friend Giovana wanted to cover a story about cricket fights in Beijing, which is very popular among the locals, for fun, with small bets of money.

Giovana searched online and found ‘GuanYuan Flower Birds Fish and Insects Market’ which may have information she wanted and hopefully to view a real fight there. I then searched on Chinese search engine Baidu.com.cn, and found ‘Hong Yan Market’ which a blogger says it was the place for cricket fight championship in 2007 and has everything you need for crickets.

So we took a taxi there, but found out, there wasn’t much going on. Cricket fights will not start till about 15th September, which according to the people in the market, are shown every day. Currently, the crickets are too young, most trainers will buy now and train them for a month before registering them for the fights. We had an interesting chat with two elderly cricket fight fans in the market, and I learnt that China has about 300 years of history in engaging in cricket fights, said to be fun, exciting and a great hobby which is good for your health. Usually they only play for about 50Yuan (less than US$10), the government however is cracking down on all types of gambling.

For the cricket championship, it’s estimated to have 3000 registrants, and the prize could be 100k Yuan (approx US$15,000), we have no idea however how accurate the information is.

In order to film how the crickets fight, we paid them 50Yuan to put on a fight between two crickets for us. They said it’s not the right season, the crickets are too young, and they didn’t seem very aggressive and strong. It happens in less than a second, once the two stuck their teeth into each other the one which quits looses. Usually owners simply let the looser go back to nature, because they believe, it will lose the fighting spirit and usually never makes a good fighter.

We also learnt from people in this market that, Shi Li Qiao Market which is in the vicinity has more crickets stuff for sale. When we got to Shi Li Qiao, we knew we had found the right place! The market was much better organised, with more variety of fish, birds and dogs, in fact just about any pet you can think of, and naturally more crickets with an amazing range of products for the cricket fanatics! There’s also this decent cricket shop, supplies all your cricket needs like a home, water/food trays, mating room, balance for measuring the weight before going on a fight, and a picture of an champion in 2002, which won 9 matches and retired afterwards and treated as a hero, and later buried in a proper coffin. They even have a dedicated website.

They said cricket is the most treasured insect among the famous four because of it’s beautiful sound, with the most varieties of tools and accessories.

Crickets are mostly reproduced in Shan Dong Province, a region in which each household breeds crickets.

Shanghai never stops amazing me!

I stayed a weekend before going to Beijing for Olympics. Zappati was really live on Friday night both the indoor dance floor and outdoor beer garden, we stayed until 1.30am and moved onto LAN - another fancy new restaurant/bar near the Bond (on the corner of Guangdong Rd and Sichuan Rd), features beautiful decor with a traditional and modern style mix, unfortunately, being new, there’s not much of a crowd as yet.

Saturday buffet lunch at the Shangri-la hotel Pudong was the best I ever had! If you think Cafe mix in Shangri-la Sydney was great, this is 5 times better! The variety is unbelievable, different cuisine has its own designated area, and the desert bar alone expands 3 tables! It’s expensive for local Chinese (approximately USD$40.00), but if you can afford it, it’s truly worth it! I heard from my friend, that the Westin Hotel also has excellent buffet, probably even better! I can’t imagine how you could possibly taste more than what is already there!

After the mouth watering lunch, we hit the pool party at the Purple Mountain Hotel. There were approximately two hundred people there, beautiful local and international girls, great music and a really fun party! I wouldn’t mind going back every Saturday:-)

Its always fun to visit Shanghai, an ever changing city, with new places to go and new things to do every time I go, every year, and this is the second time I’m here this year, and I’m pretty sure by Oct when I return for China Grand Prix, I’ll discover something new!

The entire experience was spectacular.

The moment we arrived in Male, the Conrad Resort & Spa, Rangali Island experience took over.

We were transferred to the Hul Hul Hotel and were provided a deluxe room which was a pleasant surprise after a long haul trip. As we arrived in Male around 10pm, we transferred straight to the Hotel.

We didn’t experience any of the facilities as we caught the sea plan at about 7am the following morning. Conrad Maldives Rangali has a transfer lounge at the sea plane terminal and we were looked after from the outset. We were on the island resort by 8am to have breakfast and were in the room by 10am. We were given an island host Fazeel who helped us arrange activities for the week while checking on us each day. He was very personable and helpful.

The over water bungalow was fantastic although we viewed a deluxe beach villa which was very spacious and offered a different experience. The bungalow was cleaned each day while we were at breakfast so our room contact time was not interrupted by any staff which was fantastic.

Food was good but they have many restaurants trying to cater for too many different cuisines (ie. Indian / Italian / Asian / etc.). They should just offer local seafood cuisine and make sure they get it right!

Everything was pricey and in USD so we had a bit of a win on the exchange rate but the local staff were educated in the basic information but if you asked questions outside the norm or ventured from the script, they couldn’t provide the answers. They were also trained in the art of ‘upselling’ and were always pushing the more expensive item and / or offering experiences which you were not necessarily interested in.

• We spent USD $175 for both of us to have a Day Spa package and as soon as we were finished they were trying to get us to return the next day for more. Just felt a little pressured and didn’t think it was necessary.
• We just wanted to use the kayaks for a bit of an exploration paddle with the staff then trying to sell us a half day sailing learn / sail yourself experience. Something we had no interest yet they still persisted on giving us all the information while we were organising the kayaks.
• I felt like a Cinzano Bianco USD $9.50 with Soda Water. They charged me US $2.00 for the Soda Water which simply irked me. Especially since everything attracted a 10% surcharge.

Given the money one pays to go to such an island resort, I just thought they could have been a bit more relaxed about things. We still spent approx. USD $1,750 while on the island resort for our evening meals and excursions.

These little irks aside;

• the place was spectacular
• the weather was 28 - 32 degrees each day with only 1 over cast day
• the service was great
• the water was 26 degrees
• the accommodation was everything like the brochures with coral and fish immediately outside the bungalow
• snorkeling was amazing with us swimming with reef sharks / turtles / etc.

all to be an experience which does not get replicated anywhere else.

My wife and I have been to a number of places and would travel back to the Maldives but will experience other places first. The tropical trip was second only to the Greek Islands which was a different experience as it was more a village atmosphere v’s island resort atmosphere.

We ended up staying at the Pan Pacific in Singapore which was fantastic although shopping in Singapore has become over rated.

All in all, thanks for your assistance in organising our trip. It was memorable and well worth it.

Stunning new luxury resort located down at the Coral Coast overlooking Beqa Lagoon lies Fiji’s new opulent five-star beach front resort living, Taunovo Bay Resort and Spa. Spanning three kilometres of Viti Levu’s most stunning white sand beaches, presents the most unique majestic and prestigious freehold beach front living in Fiji today.

Please find below a bit of information about Taunovo Bay Resort.

• Located down at the Coral Coast (Pacific Harbour - good for golfers) about 2 hours away from Nadi
• Luxury resort on the mainland … accommodation is residential villas
• Currently there are 7x 4 bedroom villas .. soon to change to 10 .. 100% beach front .. it has 2 pools within 1 4 bedroom villa
• If you take a 1 or 2 bedroom the 4 bedroom will be split into 2. If you take a “VILLA” you get the dining room, kitchen, lounge, media room, pool. If you get the “SUITE” you get your room and pool only.
• Great for families. Kids program/nanny from 8am-6pm for kids under 12 yrs.
• If you have 2 adults 1 kid the kid will get a free bed .. increased to 2 adults 2 kids you will have to take a 2 bedroom. At all times there is only allowed 2 adults in 1 room.
• There is a beach bar, 1 restaurant (soon to be changed to 2), spa, private chef also available.
• Seaplane also available from Nadi .. for 4 people cost is USD$1000 one way.

Current status …

• There is soft construction going on but it will not affect your stay
• 50% off opening sale
• Only 1 a la carte restaurant available … there will soon be 2
• Kids club not yet available - but kids programs still available

Extraordinary attention to detail defines the Taunovo Bay experience. Their friendly staff will cater to your desires and anticipate your individual needs. Enjoy the romance and luxury of your surroundings.

Liku Liku Lagoon Fiji Resort - what can I say about this resort, but wow, wow, wow!

Likuliku Lagoon Resort is a haven of subtle luxury and the first and only resort in Fiji with over-water bures. It is a unique and special place designed with integrity to cultural values, traditional designs and architecture, and is embraced by the renowned warmth of the Fijian people.

This is the perfect location to celebrate a wedding, honeymoon, renewal of vows or anniversary or even for anyone who wants to escape from their busy lives.

Just 16 miles away from Nadi Airport, the resort can be reached by fast catamaran, private speedboat, seaplane or helicopter - direct to the Resort’s own helipad.

Total of 45 bures/rooms all featuring: Air conditioning, ceiling fans, telephone, king-size bed, indoor & outdoor showers, spacious deck, music system, mini-bar on request, tea/coffee making facilities, refrigerator, complimentary Fiji Water and fresh baked cookies daily, iron & board, hairdryer, in-room safe, bath robes, beach towels, lounge area, Pure Fiji His & Her amenities, Likuliku Lei, complimentary Likuliku Sulu (sarong), evening turn-down service.

The culinary experience at this resort is amazing. There is a wide selection of dishes to choose from that has a touch of traditional Fijian to Oriental to Western flavours … they’re all splendid no matter what you choose on the menu. Meals are included as part of the rate and will is served in the signature restaurant “Fijiana” with daily-changing, mini-Dégustation menus.

Once you’re there you will not want to leave .. go and experience luxury close to home .. you will have no regrets.

I was invited on a weekend getaway to represent our company for outstanding sales in 2006 and joining a group of 8 more people. The whole weekend was a surprise so I wasn’t sure what I was up for … so I was very excited.

Our flight was up to Hamilton Island and that was all I knew. Once we arrived at the airport, we were then taken to the Hamilton Island Marina and there were 2 launches docked, there was one for Hayman Island and the other had no name on it so it was a bit of a mystery.

They took us over to the Hayman Island launch and I knew this trip was going to be something I’ve never experienced. Once we got on we were welcomed with drinks and the service started from there. The boat ride took about an hour and we finally arrived at our destination - Hayman Island. We were greeted by the management team at the jetty which was a really nice touch for the beginning of our trip.

We got checked-in into our Pool Deluxe Room’s which had magnificent views of the Hayman pool and partial views of the beach. The room was a comfortable size and I think the views made up for any small issues that you would notice.

We had the afternoon free to ourselves so we walked around the resort to do a quick inspection and get ourselves familiar with the facilities available. We then got an itinerary to advise what was organised for our weekend. That night we were invited to join the Chef’s Table for a unique experience that takes one behind the scenes for dinner in the kitchen. The Chef’s Table is held in one of the main kitchens on Hayman with the meal accompanied by Premier Australian and international wines from Hayman’s extensive cellar, which houses around 20,000 bottles of wine. The evening was a very memorable experience … and I suggest everyone try it if they get the chance during their stay.

After our breakfast at Azure Restaurant, our day of full pampering began where we went for a luxury boat ride sailing around the island sipping on French champagne and a massage/facial to complete the day. What a tough day we had  . The Spa Chakra team was unbelievable! They did a fantastic job which made me feel relaxed and rejuvenated. The spa offers Hayman guests an exclusive selection of personally-tailored beauty and well-being programs designed to restore wellness and balance.

It was time for us to leave which was such a shame cause I was just getting settled in and getting used to this luxury life. I would definitely return back to Hayman Island on a personal level so I can relax and unwind.

Turtle Island is a wonderful place of tranquil delight to wind down from the busy world we all live in. It is a privately owned Island some 40mins flight from Nandi by seaplane and is an amazing destination for honeymooners or just a relaxing a holiday even with its flaws. There is space for 14 couples, the bures are very nice indeed particularly the Vonu Point some 500 metres from your nearest neighbour.
The food on Turtle Island was good, though there was room for improvement and the foodies out there know serving dinner on cold plates is a no, no.

All meals and drinks are included with your stay, along with a number of other activities, like fishing, horse-back riding, bike riding, and various other fun activities.

It was a compulsory invitation that if people are getting married on the island that the guests staying should also attend the ceremony and the banquet dinner that followed, while this was fun once it may not be something you would want to repeat as 3 days later we attended another wedding. It could have been bad luck that there were 2 weddings during our stay but it would be worth checking on if you were not wanting to be “wedding out” when having a relaxing holiday.

The customer service at Turtle Island is second to none, so friendly and very helpful as the Fijian people generally are.

If you want that Island get away, it is certainly a worthwhile trip.

I’ve just returned from my holiday to Malaysia with a quick stop-over in Phuket. It was quite a good combination with Phuket just being a hours flight from Kuala Lumpur.

The weather wasn’t too great in Phuket when I arrived but I tried to make the most of my time there and do as many things as I could. Nothing was going to stop me.

I went to visit the local temples, visited the shooting range which was very adventurous for a person like me and of course squeezed in some shopping and spa treatments.

Phuket has beautiful scenery and beaches and the markets were great. There is so much culture for you to see, observing the local people and how they live can be quite inspirational.

The place to be is Patong Beach, for many tourists you either like it or you don’t .. simple as that, personally I thought it was a great experience. There are so many bars and restaurants to choose from for the half the price or even less of what you can get back home. I dined at this lovely beach side restaurant that offered fresh seafood along Patong Beach. I would recommend their traditional dish … fresh green papaya salad topped with freshly grilled prawns ummm … with a fresh coconut juice and then you can work on the cocktails!

While in Phuket I would recommend everyone go see the lady-boy show “Simon Cabaret”. This is something not to be missed. The stage props to the acts were just fantastic … and they really do look like ladies … the transformation is just amazing. It was quite a fun night.

All the big chain hotels are centrally located along Patong Beach. Such as the Hilton, Holiday Inn, Dusit Laguna Resort and many more.

I personally got the opportunity to stay at the Evason Phuket Six Senses Spa. Its located about 40mins away from Phuket International Airport. The service is unbelievable! I felt like royalty with all the extra attention that I got to be honest with you. I got picked up in a flashy BMW private car transfer and they took me directly to the resort. I stayed in a Duplex Suite and had my own private plunge pool which also came with a 24hr private butler service to assist you with anything during your stay.

The Six Senses spa was such a good experience. You start to feel relaxed as soon as you step in the consultation room … I fell asleep after such a good session.

Luckily on one of the days the sun was out so I headed over to Bon Island. This is a private island/beach area that is used by guests staying at the Evason Phuket, it is a pleasurable and scenic 10min boat ride with a bar and private salas for you to use. On Bon Island there is also a honeymoon suite were honeymooners can hire for the night and have private use of the island. You will also received your own private butler and chef for the night who will cook up a very special dinner for you.

After spending a couple of nights at the Evason Phuket I headed over to spend a night at Amanpuri. Also about 40mins away from the Phuket International Airport but just heading in the opposite direction.

Amanpuri was very different to Evason Phuket. It is on a coconut plantation so it is quite a relaxed environment when you arrive. The room was beautiful and spacious, as you walk in there is a complimentary bowl of fruits on the side table with nice soft traditional Thai music playing in the background.

The views from the pavillions were breathtaking. The private villas are really great for families who want to get away and consists of 2 bedrooms with your own private chef and lap pool.

I walked down to the beach and the stairs were a bit much for me … I think I counted about 35 stairs however well worth the walk, the private beach was beautiful. The current was a little strong so we couldn’t use the beach that day, what a shame as the water was so crystal clear.

It was time to pack up my bags and head home. I had such a fantastic time in Phuket and got to experience things I never would have back home and take with me many special memories.

Chiva Som - nestled on Thailand’s Royal Beach Resort, Hua Hin, is commonly referred to as the ‘Haven of Life’. At only a 3 hour drive south of Bangkok, this luxurious resort feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. Hua Hin Beach should not be thought of as the pristine beach of white sand and blue water that is typically associated with Thailand as this will only lead in disappointment - but the clear water and short shoreline is what encapsulates and contrasts this resort with the 7 acre property featuring lush tropical gardens and stylish accommodation and guest areas.

Focusing on the mind, body and spirit, Chiva Som is not particularly for the guest who wants to relax around the pool. This said, the outside pool (overlooking the beach) is lovely, although not extremely large - but with a daily activities list that is filled with ample things to do to occupy all guests, why would you want to.

From water-aerobics (in a separate activities pool), beach walks, cooking classes, tai chi, yoga, a well equipped gym and personal well-being courses - there truly is something for everyone. And for the guest who wants a little more pampering than physical activity, the spa is the best I have ever seen and offers so many treatments that you wouldn’t be able to do them all in the standard 7 night stay. Chiva Som also offers packages tailored to each individual, for which you are cared for and assisted by your own highly trained Wellness Consultant. And you will always be in the hands of a skilled and qualifies team of Body Therapists, Specialist Consultants, Doctors, Nurses, Naturopaths, Physiotherapists, Counselors, and Fitness Trainers dedicated to support you in achieving lasting results.

The restaurant offers a fantastic restaurant designed to be healthy yet enjoyable with an ever-changing menu. At breakfast, a separate tea menu will be handed to you with a list of tea’s and what it will do to assist in any symptoms ranging from tiredness to tummy upsets. Chiva Som prides them-selves on focusing on everything that will have you leaving the resort refreshed and revitalised.

You won’t find a mini-bar in your room (alcohol is not favoured except for an occasional wine at dinner), but Chiva-Som rooms offer luxury and comfort with fittings and features providing a perfect balance between Thai architectural beauty and Western standards. From marble bathrooms to Thai sculptures and individual DVD players in each room, your creature comforts are taken care of.

The stay will leave guests understanding the philosophy of Chiva Som - “Good health equates to vitality, wellness, peace, harmony, and balance”.

On April 13th Qualia celebrated its six month anniversary, marking 213 days in operation, and some 3,000 guests through its front gates. Often called Australia’s first ’six star’ property, the luxurious all-villa resort on the northern tip of Hamilton Island has already made a mark on the Great Barrier Reef experience. qualia got off to a running start, managing to hit 60% occupancy, with the average stay at the four night mark, and already seeing a 10% returning guest rate. This high-end Whitsunday compound sits on 20 acres of land, and so far features 27 ‘Windward Pavilions’ and one Beach House. Come June, 32 additional ‘Leeward Pavilions’ will also grace the qualia compound, along with a helipad, dock and secondary entry point. In the six months of operations, the ultra-deluxe resort has seen 6,000 room nights, five major conferences and numerous local and international celebrities – though they’re keeping mum on names. Expect to see more out of this very Australian resort as it gears up to launch itself overseas.