Thursday, June 25, 2015

10 Awesome hotels of the world for your dream stay - scouted for you by Jovago.com


There are 2 types of vacations one can take – low budget ones as well as going all out. It is important to sometimes spoil yourself, and take a nice relaxing vacation while staying at a luxurious, exotic hotel. In addition to a comfortable and memorable stay, the top hotels also give you amazing vacation packages, which include using the spa, golf resorts, safari getaways among many other things. Here are a list of top 10 hotels you must visit once in your life:



1.      Montana Magica Lodge, Chile:
Montana Magicais perfect for nature lovers. It is a volcano structured lodge that spews water, and is situated in the center of a native forest in Chile. The lodge gives you the most picturesque treat of nature, and is heaven for nature lovers.


2.      Oberoi Udaivilas in India:
Located in the beautiful Rajasthan, the OberoiUdaivilasis just stunning. The hotel is situated on the banks of the Lake Pichola, adjoining by the grand palaces of Rajasthan. The rippling fountains chilling water pools and lush green fields will give you a royal treat.

3.      Vila Escudero Philippines:
Vila Escudero is an outstanding waterfall amusement. you will Get fascinate with the delicious and aromatic lunch served on bamboo dining tables setat few inches of running water cascades.Vila is your perfect way to enjoy the Philippine legacy.


4.      Ice Hot Jukkasjarvi, Sweden:
Ice hot can be the coolest experience of your life! The hotel is remodeled every year as it is built with snow and ice. It is popular amongst honeymooners despite the fact that is -5C!

5.      Hotel Kakslauttanen, Finland:
A view of northern lights from a glassed igloo is definitely something worth staying at. The hotel Kakslauttanen of Finland boosts up yoursenses with its scenic view of 20 thermal glass igloos that gives you the famous aurora sights at night.


6.      Rayavadee Krabi, Thailand:
Rayavadee is situated at theheart of stunning Phranang Peninsular on the edge of Krabi Marine National Park.It is an enchanting holiday spot that mesmerizes you with scenic sheer cliffs, lush green forestry and the crystal clear water of Amanda Sea.


7.      Attrap Reves Hotel, France:
Are you up for a bubble sleep? Attrap is the most amazing and uniquely designed bubble hotels situated in a rural french setting. It embraces numerous large bubbles inside a thick forest that will let you to stay at the heart of nature!


8.      Katikies Hotel-Oia, Greece:
Katikies is the natural wonder on planet!That emerges out of the most alluring sea locations in Greece.The hotel sites at the charming Santorini Island at the bank of Sea Atlantis.It gives you a unique nature flavor with its forestry, deep pool diving and breathtaking views of incredible Santorini caldera.

9.      Hotel-Restaurant Ă–schinensee, Switzerland:
A romantic stay-in spot of Switzerland is lovingly run by the generations of Wandfluh Family. The architecture of Ă–schinensee represents the legacy of 1892 and the beautiful lake mountainous view will certainly spellbind you.

10.  The Ritz Calton at Hong Kong:
Take pride of a vacation stay at Ritz Calton Hong Kong- the world's highest hotel with a 118th floored gigantic structure. Ritz-Carlton entices you with unrivalled views of Victoria Harbour, six dining venues, a health club, spa, swimming pool, and grand banquet rooms.








Top 5 Ramadan Deals in Karachi



Ramadan is the best time for food deals! Restaurants usually offer all you can eat packages to maximize their customer’s experience. Below is a list of top 5 Iftar deals we think you should check out in Karachi in case you are in no mood to spend 1000’s of Rupees on feast by 5 star hotels in Karachi, Pakistan!


If you are new to Karachi, then you must try these affordable Iftar deals. If you love Lahore food , then Karachi will not disappoint you either.

1.      Student Biryani is a national Biryani restaurant, founded in 1969 by Haji Mohammad Ali. This Ramadan, it will be serving its customers with the finest Biryani available in Pakistan, and is offering an amazing deal. For only Rs. 180/-you will receive a box of Biryani, two Khajoors, two pakorays, one samosa, one jalebi, one seasonal fruit and a free juice or water!



2.      The world’s renowned architects and designers, worked diligently to construct Port Grand. Together, they built a modern facility, consisting of amazing cafes, stores for shopping and various forms of entertainment. This Ramadan, Port Grand has introduced a number of deals ranging between Rs. 499 and Rs. 2000/-


3.      Nando’sis an international company that arrived in Pakistan in 2001. The flavors of PERI~PERI have been celebrated throughout the country, leaving the customers craving more. This Ramadan, Nando’s have launched four deals, one for sehri and three for iftaar. The combinations consist of quarter chickens, hummus, garlic bread, peri bites, fries, rice, and soft drinks!








4.      Chatkharay Express was founded in 1995, and began their food journey by selling chaats and Pakistani food items. They are nationally famous for their dahi baray and chaat! This Ramadan, they have presented their guests with an iftari buffet, consisting of 18 items for only Rs. 690/- for adults, and Rs. 490/- for children.




5.      THYME & TARRAGON have had years of experience in catering special events, with a skilled staff that serves you with mouth-watering food. This Ramadan, for only Rs. 715/-, they are offering their customers a traditional iftari with fruit chaat, roof afza, and Khajoors, as well as a protein packed dinner providing you with a healthy and fulfilling meal.

  

Sunday, June 21, 2015

JOVAGO.com WISHES PAKISTAN A HAPPY RAMADANBY LAUNCHING SPECIAL DISCOUNT PACKAGES




Jovago.com has launched amazing Ramadan deals for families planning on taking a summer vacation 


Jovago.com, Pakistan’s No.1 online hotel booking website,recently launched its summer and Ramadan discount program which is aimed to encourage people to travel within Pakistan.

The voucher code is very simple to use. All one has to do is visit our website, book your hotel and during check out you type in “RAMADAN” (to receive up to 15% off and free Sehri). It is a simple three step process, and an opportunity to sit back and relax while enjoying the fast. 
 
Commenting on this initiative Mrs. Nadine Malik Almani, the Country Manager Jovago said “The main aim of Jovago Pakistan is to encourage people to travel within Pakistan. Ramadan is generally a slow and dull month, so we want to keep the energy alive by providing our travelers with a discount package so they can enjoy their fasts with beautiful scenes. It is extremely hot right now, and we all deserve a break from the heat. By providing these discount vouchers, in hotels with free Sehri, we are really hoping to encourage travel within Pakistan during the summer season. So, go check out our website to find out more details.” 

Jovago.com is always promoting different hotels in different areas, and keep checking the website to stay updated.

The Hidden Jewels of Pakistan



Pakistan is bursting with natural beauty in not only one, but in all four of its provinces. When deciding where to travel, there are a plethora of options, thanks to our natural beauty. A lot of the beauty is hidden, therefore below is a list of places which are not mainstream, but are definitely worth a visit.
  1. Hingol River :
    Hingol River is situated in the Makran region, in the Gwadar District of Southeastern Baluchistan. The river is a part of the Hingol valley, and together with the view of the mountains, the experience is very enjoyable.



  1. Passu:
    Passu is a majestic village located on the Karakorum Highway, only 150 km away from Gilgit city. The scenic views of the Passu Glacier and the Batura Glacier are known to bedazzle their visitors. Another notable point of Passu is thelifestyle of the villagers – the work they do, the exteriors and interiors of their homes, their daily routines – these are all unique characteristics to people living in Passu.


  1. PirGhaib:
Pir Ghaib is located on the Sibi road, approximately 70km away from Quetta. There is a beautiful waterfall here which is enclosed by palm trees. It flows down a rugged mountainside and makes its way through many streams – a sight worth seeing!


  1. Banjosa lake:
Banjosa Lake is located 20 km from the city of Rawalakot in the District Poonch of Azad Kashmir.It is an artificial lake mounted at an altitude of 1,981 meters. The lake view is surrounded by a dense pine forest and mountains, creating a very endearing and romantic atmosphere.


  1. Shigar:
Once called little Tibet, Shigar valley is located at an altitude of 2800 meters in Gilgit- Baltistan. It is a beautiful valley where nature lovers feel right at home. Here, you will find snow peaks, sand dunes, rivers and other picturesque views and perfect accommodations like PTDC Skardu Motel.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

How to make your travel cozy in Ramadan




That time to develop patience and practice abstinence is right around the corner. Although one is expected to practice patience and be calm throughout this month, I can say without water or food, the test is difficult. On the road, people who are driving are speeding and impatience levels are at an all-time high during this month. Traveling while fasting isn’t easy either, but sometimes one isn’t left with a choice. There are some tips that JovagoPakistan has come with to make sure the holy month is practiced in the way it is meant to be – with love, peace and patience.

1.   Know it all:
It is important to understand and acknowledge what Ramadan is all about. Ramadan is not about fasting a whole day and participating in nightly parties once you break the fast. Ramadan is a lunar month, dedicated to religious practices and kindness.  Fasting may become challenging, so it is important to fuel your body accordingly i.e. follow proper Seheri and Iftari schedules. The more informed you are about the month, and the nutrients your body requires for a good and patient fast, the more relaxed you will find yourself.

2.      Make your plans suitable for fasting:
Ramadan affects some people a lot, as it is hard to continue your daily routine without quenching your thirst or fueling your system. It is not a great time to travel, climb or trek, but if you have to do so, you should plan it properly. Once again, make sure you have a healthy Seheri if you have travel planned. Also, one is allowed to skip their fast, so if you feel your body won’t be able to handle traveling and fasting, make sure you think properly and realistically before deciding to keep (or not) a fast.  

3.      Keep yourself updated:
Try to keep yourself updated with the traveling conditions. The weather context, flights delays and cancellations may affect your plan badly. Keeping yourself in touch with such information saves you from any extra effort and worn-out situations.

4.      Make it early:
We would advise you to keep important meetings and commitments in the early hours of the morning, before the sun is in full swing. This will help you save some of your energy level, because sunny afternoons tend to drain us out.

5.      Stay away from traffic jams:
If you are commuting a lot by road during Ramadan, try avoiding areas with a lot of traffic. During Iftari time, traffic increases and chances of accidents are higher. It is good to find alternate times to travel.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

ACCA strengthens partnership with K-Electric

ACCA held a ceremony at K-Electric’s Head Office in Karachi to recognize the outstanding finance talent working at K-Electric, a Gold level Approved Employer.

From K-Electric’s side, the ceremony was attended by Mr. Rizwan Dalia (Director Finance and Company Secretary) and Mr. Ahsan Anis (Deputy Director, Strategy). ACCA was represented by Mr. Stuart Dunlop, (Regional Director MENASA) and Mr. Sajjeed Aslam (Head of ACCA Pakistan).

Mr. Rizwan Dalia shared K-Electric’s training scheme for in-house ACCA talent through the implementation of ACCA’s Competency Framework, aimed at their career development. ACCA trainees working at K-Electric were also provided an interactive session with ACCA’s senior regional and national management team in an open house session. Certificates were awarded to ten outstanding finance teams members of K-Electric.

Mr. Rizwan Dalia commented, “The ACCA Competency Framework demonstrates how ACCAs are an asset to an organisation and work diligently in accordance with the performance objectives that are mapped to their roles in K-Electric. We would like to extend our support for implementation of Competency Framework within and outside Pakistan.”

Mr. Stuart Dunlop stated, “We are delighted to partner with K-Electric on training of ACCA finance talent and the implementation of ACCA’s Competency Framework in Pakistan. With this initiative, K-Electric becomes the first organisation globally to implement this programme. We would be happy to take up K-Electric’s use of Competency Framework across a wider pool of organisations in and outside Pakistan.”