The collection of islands known as Cebu Province is synonymous with magnificent white sand beaches and sapphire blue waters. It is arguably one of the Philippines’ most picture-perfect locations for a relaxing getaway. Visitors can spend tranquil afternoons on the sand as warm, sparkling seawater laps at their feet and they admire the spectacular view from their Cebu beach resort.

There are over 160 islands within the area to choose for memorable Cebu holidays, but Mactan Island is amongst the most popular tourist spots. As well as being the most easily accessible, as host to one of the country’s largest airports, this coral island also offers some of the best diving and snorkelling experiences available in the world. Colourful underwater reefs and an unparalleled diversity of marine life can be seen. For something a little more active to do at the beach, tourists can also participate in a round of sailing, hire jet skis for the day or get involved in some tow sports.

However, a stay on the island has the potential to encompass much more than just sugar-white sand and tropical lagoons, with lots of things to do in Cebu whether guests are there for business or pleasure.

Whilst more familiar menus are always available at the excellent restaurants in the area (such as Italian, Chinese and Filipino), gourmets will delight at the opportunity to experience some of the exotic local cuisine – holidays to Cebu are not complete without getting to sample the mouth-watering lechòn de leche, a delicious roasted suckling pig dish which is something of a local speciality.

Located just a short drive from Mactan, on the main island, Cebu City is an attractive choice to tourists in search of a metropolitan shopping haven in close proximity to their beach resort. This growing, modern city offers every conceivable convenience and has a large number of shopping malls which provide space for well-known brands and international boutiques. There are also banks, airlines and tour companies, alongside a fantastic selection of cafés and entertainment venues such as cinema screens, games halls and comedy clubs.

Although a relaxing lunch or an afternoon shopping spree in Cebu City might offer all the excitement a tourist might want for the day, the local area comes alive at night-time and should be experienced before visitors leave. There is something to suit all ages, and visitors can enter lavish nightclubs and 24-hour casinos. Or dance to live bands, or even a ballroom waltz, in one of the many music bars which welcome guests come nightfall.

Cultural and sightseeing tours are also easy to arrange, and include entry into some of the area’s best historical museums and locations of special interest. Popular tourist spots in Cebu are a trip to Magellan’s Cross, an architecturally interesting octagonal building which celebrates the locals’ conversion to Christianity in the 16th century. Or visit the Taoist Temple, which honours the inhabitants’ strong Chinese ancestry and reveals some of the best views to be found in all of the Philippines.

In essence, a holiday in the Philippines on the islands of Cebu offers crystal blue water and gorgeous white beaches worthy of the area’s tropical paradise reputation. But it is also a place to eat well, socialise and come to know some of the rich history of the region at the same time – a powerful combination which creates a truly unforgettable holiday experience.

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With less than 50 mm of yearly rainfall in some parts of the country, Egypt hast ten time less rain pouring on its land than England. Needless to say that the Nile is the true gem of Egypt, a source of life, fertility and wealth today and in the ancient world. The Nile flood bringing abundance and luxuriance had even its own hymn and god, “Hapi”, often depicted with papyrus plants or lotus. The river was also largely used to transport goods such as the enormous amount of stones needed for construction. Without the Nile, the ancients would have not been able to erect such monumental temples and leave their footstep in human history.

Nowadays cruising on the Nile is the most pleasant and effortless way to reach many of the wonders of ancient Egypt. It will not avoid you some of the recurrent disagreement as touts and pushers present in most of frequently visited places, but it will surely reduce it drastically. Most of boats cruise between Luxor and Aswan, passing by highlights like the Karnak temple and the outstanding tombs of the Valley of Kings and Queens. Luxor is itself an open-air museum. Called Thebes during the Pharaoh times, it was the capital of the Kingdom and is now UNESCO world heritage site. As conclusion, the Nile cruises end in Aswan for a visit to the High Dam, Egypt’s contemporary example to build on a monumental scale.

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Münster’s city gets ready for the Send, their largest fair which takes place three times a year. There are lots of fun activities, hundreds of rides, stalls and a great culinary choice, too. Be sure not to miss the closing fireworks. The next Send takes place 25-29 October 2012. The Mövenpick in Münster is a five-minute walk from all the happenings, so it’s a great place to stay while visiting the fair.

Nuremberg has also got numerous events going on year round. The best one coming up is the historic city festival (Altstadtfest) which takes place every year in September. Entrance is for free and there are parades, music, food and drink, locals dressed in traditional costumes and challenges on water where fishermen try to knock each other off their boats. Also don’t miss the opportunity to try some of the 60 types of beer at this festival that takes place from 13 to 24 September 2012.

Moving on into the winter months, Munich is known for its great Winter Market at Munich Airport that will definitely get you into that Christmassy feeling. Try yummy gingerbread, sing along to favourite Christmas tunes or try your ice skating skills on the ice rink. It’s also not far from the Mövenpick Munich and there’s a shuttle bus that will take you there for fantastic Christmas shopping.

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We’ve started our first resorts website; if you’re planning your next holiday, follow this link: www.moevenpick-resorts.com.

Imagine yourself at the beach on a deck chair in natural Mauritius looking out onto the horizon. Or what about that spa resort holiday in beautiful Thailand you’ve always been craving for. For our active guests, we’re presenting resorts that offer diving opportunities such as El Quseir in Egypt. Looking for a round of golf in stunning surroundings? We’ve got golf resorts, too. For those of you who love learning about traditions and culture of holiday destinations, we’ve got resorts near World Heritage sites to satisfy your cultural appetite. And last but not least, families are always on the lookout for child-friendly resorts and great activities – our hotel in Sentosa in Singapore is a great place for family fun.

Enjoy exploring our best resorts!

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This is a city that wakes up to the gentle movements of t’ai chi dawn devotees and goes to sleep after an endless night of designer restaurants, bars and clubs.

But there are some Hanoi essentials to enjoy. The French colonial architecture here is some of the best in the world and it is worth exploring the Old Quarter by chauffeur-pedalled tricycle with stops at shops selling butterfly kites, objets d’art, paintings and cooling linens. When staying at the Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi, you’re only five minutes from the Old Quarter and the hotel building itself is a colonial building.

It is also vital to savour local specialties such as steamed dumplings or pho rice noodle soup or perhaps linger over a gastronomic meal in the heart of a colonial villa restaurant before finishing the day at the Water Puppet Theatre where traditional colours illuminate glittering night waters.

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Ho Chi Minh City – or Saigon as locals will always call it – bristles with energy from its scooter-crushed streets to its confident 21st century skyscraper skyline. Packed between is an organised chaos of French colonial buildings, hidden alleys, temples, mosques, pagodas, markets, ramshackle shops and street vendors peddling everything from clothes to electronics.

Historic architectural highlights include Notre Dame Cathedral, the ancient Old Saigon Post Office, Opera House and Reunification Palace, while the ghosts of war can still be found haunting Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi tunnels.

But no trip is complete without shopping in Ho Chi Minh City – searching for souvenirs in the hustle and bustle of Binh Tay Market or plunging into the narrow streets of Chinatown packed with thriving medical stores, busy calligraphy kiosks and irresistible local restaurants.

And this is all very well and good, but you can never forget that this is a city that is fiercely forward thinking. Springing up with those skyscrapers are the smooth walkways of designer malls, the open-kitchens of chic restaurants, the roasted coffee of French cafés, the confidence of urban bars and the pulsating beat of cutting-edge clubs.

After the intensity of the city has carried you as far as you want to go, don’t forget to take time out for a little contemplation, perhaps pause for reflection at the city’s famous Thien Hau Pagoda or watch the waves of the Saigon River slip by on a gentle cruise.

Experience all the city has to offer from the Mövenpick Hotel Saigon, located in the Phu Nhuan district, just 15 minutes from the bustling city centre.

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The restoration of the tower has been done so sensitively that you barely see the difference. Only with the help of historical pictures do you notice a few features in the tower’s facade which had to be altered.

Tower suites
You can enjoy the unique view from the top of the tower or, even simpler, treat yourself to the pleasure of sleeping beneath Hamburg’s starry sky in one of the two-level tower suites.
Beneath the roof of the water tower we find the two-floor tower suites. The windows in these were designed in a way that does not affect the visual characteristics of the roof construction.

The annex

Almost imperceptibly the octagonal tower has grown during its modification. Where once the cisterns’ construction ended we now find the Mövenpick Hotel restaurant terrace on the second floor.
When the first warm rays of the sun and a light breeze make for a beautiful spring time in Hamburg, you can relax on the terrace with a cup of coffee or have an ice cream while enjoying the greenness of the park and unwinding.

A unique hotel experience

Whether you are coming from the the lift area or down the spiral staircase from the Cave Bar, or up the escalator from outside the view of the reception area is flooded with an exceptional light. Atriums create this dramatic effect, and no guest, either arriving or leaving, will deny that the water tower is a truly unique experience.

Welcome in Hamburg
The calm and quiet atmosphere, which a hundred years ago was accompanied by the soft sound of flowing water, can today be felt again. A pleasant perspective which you can enjoy today in the 21st century is the warm and friendly smile of your hostesses.

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