Valentine’s Day in London

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London can be pretty amazing on Valentine’s Day.. Here are our recommendations for the best that London has to offer in terms of the perfect setting for your romantic date.

Shoreditch House, overlooking Foster’s sensational Gherkin, the nearby ‘City’, and Shoreditch itself, boasts a rooftop pool, garden bar, ‘lazy lawn’ and BBQ on its mind-blowing Roof Top, whilst below are numerous bars, a two-lane bowling alley, sauna and steam rooms, gym, Cowshed Spa and a range of dining options. It comes highly recommended by Rebeccah Rumph as a No fail date place in London.

Still stuck for ideas? How about a date at The Ledbury? It opened in 2005, with Brett Graham as head chef supported by a young energetic team. The restaurant has gained many accolades including the much coveted second Michelin Star. The most talked about dish is the flame grilled mackerel fish that will just melt in your mouth. Book this, you are guaranteed brownie points.

Recommended gems & tips to do in London:

Inexpensive romantic things to do in London:  Rollerblading along the Southbank, coffee at Southwark Cathedral, ending with a bite to eat in Borough Market. Great suggestions from Alex Moore.

Single and ready to mingle: Want to escape the canoodling couples? Why not head down to Brick Lane and experience its clubs, bars, cabaret nights, casinos and amazing nightlife. Brick Lane is a true East London gem.

Catch a movie: register with secret cinema and you and your loved one or friends could be watching a great classic, chick flick or comedy this Tuesday.

For more great gems in London browse our app – hidden little gems.

Valentine’s Day in the city of love, Paris

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If you’re any bit romantic then February the 14th is a day you probably celebrate. Whether its your very  first Valentine’s Day as a couple or you have been together for decades, this holiday of love is special indeed. So if you are like me and have yet to plan that special day here are a few little gems to help inspire you and make that day a special one.

And there’s no city more romantic, than the ‘City of Light’, Paris. Paris is a million different things to a million different people. The Musée Rodin was opened in 1919 in the Hôtel Biron and surrounding grounds. It displays works by the French sculptor Auguste Rodin. The Musée Rodin contains most of Rodin’s significant creations, including The Thinker, The Kiss and The Gates of Hell. Many of his sculptures are displayed in the museum’s extensive garden.

Stretching over three hectares, the grounds also includes a rose garden, north of the Hôtel Biron, and a large ornamental garden, to the south, while a terrace and hornbeam hedge backing onto a trellis concealed a relaxation area, at the bottom of the garden.  This is the perfect place in Paris to have that romantic stroll and soak up the beauty of this amazing garden.

Our Favourite gem is the Adagio City Aparthotel Paris Tour Eiffel is located in Paris, close to Statue of Liberty Paris, Eiffel Tower, and Arc de Triomphe. Nearby points of interest also include Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral. Be sure to get a room with a view.  Our most popular list of gems for luxury hotels in Paris is a list created by Dianne Hofmeyr. Dianne has recommended three amazing hotels in Paris that will comeplete your valenties weekend.

Recommended gems & tips to do in Paris:

Best places to smooch in Paris: In the middle of Pont Neuf, night or day (night is best).

Top 3 restaurants in Paris: Fouquet’s, exceptionally service and great french food.

Citrus Etoile Paris France: The hidden little gem in Paris and highly recommended.

Saucy shopping: something for the boys (and girls) head to Aubade Paris

Top tips in Paris : a trusted city tip from french resident Coraline Despeyroux, all museum’s are free on the first Sunday of the month.

Like our Paris Facebook page here and for more hidden little gems in Paris head here

Sanya’s hidden little gems

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Hainan Island is often called the Hawaii of China. Besides its sun, sand and sea, Hainan is proving very attractive because it has ushered in a visa-free entry policy that lets travelers register trips just one day ahead of their arrival.

Sanya lies at the southern tip of Hainan Island. It is a very popular destination among foreign tourists for its stunning beaches and convenient location.

Visit Dadonghai and the beaches in Asian Dragon Bay. Tianya Haijiao is a must with its unique scenery! Tianya Haijiao (located 24 km to the west of Sanya) means “Edges of the heaven, corners of the sea” –  Enormous standing caesious rocks measuring over 10m high and 60m long.
Nanshan Temple is also an enormous Sanya landmark. It is the biggest Buddhist preaching site established since the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Tips: The vegetarian food in Nanshan Temple is famous – including many nutritious dishes made of wild fungus, konjak, and bean products – try them!
And after a big trip around Sanya you will definitely deserve a few hours at the Nantian Hot Spring.

Here are the TOP attractions in Sanya.

Food & drinks:
Best seafood in Sanya
Brilliant restaurants
Bars & clubs

Sports:
Golf courses
Water sports

Accommodation:
Recommended hotels

Hidden Little Gems – Great places for London 2012

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In the run up to London 2012 hidden little gems will bring you great gems in London for you to explore. From great places to stay, eat, drink and play and all compiled by our Facebook, Twitter Fans and friends who have discovered and higly recommend these great gems.

The East London Line is a London Overground line which runs north to south through the East End, Docklands and South areas of London and will be one of the busiest lines come the Olympic Games this summer.  So with this in mind hidden little gems will show you great places to discover along the East London line.

First up: Minkies Deli in Kensal Rise is a renowned deli cafe that serves award-winning food, in a beautiful and light filled space. ‘The coolest deli in North London!’ said Vogue Magazine. Location: ‘Glasshouse’, Chamberlayne Road, NW10 5RQ Tube:London Overground.

Gastromomic ingredients are carefully sourced and delicious dishes individually prepared from scratch. Only the finest and freshest ingredients are used by Minkies very own chef and founder Doron Atzmon.

Minkies Deli situated right next to Kensal Rise Overground station is the perfect place to pick up your freshly ground coffee, fresh baked croissants, muffins and cakes before you head on the overgroud to the Olympic Village in Stratford East London.

Other London suggestions: Why not have a look at a selection of other gems created by food blogger Laissez Fare, a collection of less-publicized places in London, many of which are real local little gems: Eating & Drinking Off the Beaten Path in London

Discover Abu Dhabi’s hidden little gems

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Abu Dhabi

Enjoy the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf, spectacular beaches and sand dunes combined with distinctive Arabian hospitality – that’s what Abu Dhabi offers and plenty more.

Things to do: there’s a lot more on offer than skyscrapers & desert – 9 great things to do.
Restaurants: great international & local cuisine – here’s a list of the best restaurants.
Golf: world-class championship golf courses abound.
Shisha: don’t miss one of the region’s great traditions – great spots for shisha.
Tours & Operators: from desert safaris, to double decker buses to yellow speed boats – check out these tours & operators.